NEW DELHI: Air India flight bound for San Francisco returned to Delhi on Wednesday morning after remaining airborne for more than three hours due to a technical issue, the airline said.Flight AI173, operated by a Boeing 777-300 ER aircraft, was carrying around 230 passengers when it was forced to turn back to the national capital in line with standard safety procedures, according to sources.“Flight AI173 from Delhi to San Francisco on May 27 has returned to Delhi due to a technical issue in accordance with the laid down procedures,” Air India said in a statement.The airline said the aircraft landed safely and would undergo detailed technical checks.“The aircraft landed safely and will undergo technical inspection in line with Air India’s safety standards,” the statement added.According to data available on flight-tracking website Flightradar24, the aircraft remained airborne for more than three hours. The plane reportedly began diverting back to Delhi after flying for over three hours while passing through Chinese airspace.Air India expressed regret over the inconvenience caused to passengers and said arrangements were being made to ensure they reached their destination at the earliest.“Regretting the inconvenience caused to the passengers, Air India said it was making alternative arrangements to fly them to their destination as soon as possible,” the airline said.“In the meantime, our ground teams are providing all necessary assistance to the passengers, including refreshments, hotel accommodation or rescheduling as opted by them,” it added.No injuries or emergency situation were reported during the flight’s return, and all passengers landed safely in Delhi, sources said.About the AuthorTOI News DeskThe TOI News Desk comprises a dedicated and tireless team of journalists who operate around the clock to deliver the most current and comprehensive news and updates to the readers of The Times of India worldwide. With an unwavering commitment to excellence in journalism, our team is at the forefront of gathering, verifying, and presenting breaking news, in-depth analysis, and insightful reports on a wide range of topics. The TOI News Desk is your trusted source for staying informed and connected to the ever-evolving global landscape, ensuring that our readers are equipped with the latest developments that matter most.”Read MoreEnd of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideosRajasthan High Court Upholds Asaram’s Life Sentence In 2013 Minor Rape CaseIndia Warns Pakistan At UNSC: “There Are Consequences For Cross-Border Terrorism”ED Raids Former Kerala CM Pinarayi Vijayan Homes in CMRL Corruption CasePig Slogan Sparks Outrage In Mira Road Housing Society Clash During Bakrid PrepSiddaramaiah Likely To Step Down As Karnataka CM Amid Congress Leadership Transition BuzzKarnataka CM Change Buzz Grows After Rahul–Sidda Meeting, Offers RS Berth To CM SiddaramaiahPolitical Storm In Bengal After FIR Against Mamata Over ‘Dirty Religion’ RemarkBJP Alleges Major Rift In TMC, Says 20 MPs Are In Touch With Saffron Camp‘Unwarranted References’: India Blasts China, Pakistan Over Jammu-Kashmir RemarksTamil Nadu Vs Karnataka: Vijay Urges PM Modi To Reject Mekedatu Dam Proposal Ahead Of Delhi Visit123Photostories5 animals more dangerous to humans than sharks (and some will surprise you)5 money habits of rich couplesHow to make gut-friendly Curd Rice for summer lunchAB de Villiers’, aka ‘Mr. 360’, multi-crore mansion in South Africa is defined by classy glass interiors, open spaces, and cricket memoriesAnanya Pandey’s home channelises the ‘dream girl’ home energy with a modern twist: 5 art inspirations to stealBorn on a Sunday? What it reveals about your personality, money, love and futureWhy some birds decorate their nests with snake skin: The reason is brilliantRanveer Singh, Helena Bonham Carter, Johnny Depp: Actors’ exits from films and web series that sparked controversy5 most beautiful rabbit breeds in the world you’ll instantly fall in love withT. Rex vs Spinosaurus: Who was the true king of the dinosaurs?123Hot PicksDelhi Gymkhana ClubByju RaveendranMira Road protestCBSE answer sheet rowKerala DHSE Plus One result 2026Iran US TalksArshdeep SinghTop TrendingByju’s founder RaveendranBank holiday todayKTET December result 2026Delhi temperatureRed BalloonBengaluru Ebola CasePune curfewIndia-Canada DealHDFC ShareIndian Rupee
NEW DELHI: Air India flight bound for San Francisco returned to Delhi on Wednesday morning after remaining airborne for more than three hours due to a technical issue, the airline said.Flight AI173, operated by a Boeing 777-300 ER aircraft, was carrying around 230 passengers when it was forced to turn back to the national capital in line with standard safety procedures, according to sources.“Flight AI173 from Delhi to San Francisco on May 27 has returned to Delhi due to a technical issue in accordance with the laid down procedures,” Air India said in a statement.The airline said the aircraft landed safely and would undergo detailed technical checks.“The aircraft landed safely and will undergo technical inspection in line with Air India’s safety standards,” the statement added.According to data available on flight-tracking website Flightradar24, the aircraft remained airborne for more than three hours. The plane reportedly began diverting back to Delhi after flying for over three hours while passing through Chinese airspace.Air India expressed regret over the inconvenience caused to passengers and said arrangements were being made to ensure they reached their destination at the earliest.“Regretting the inconvenience caused to the passengers, Air India said it was making alternative arrangements to fly them to their destination as soon as possible,” the airline said.“In the meantime, our ground teams are providing all necessary assistance to the passengers, including refreshments, hotel accommodation or rescheduling as opted by them,” it added.No injuries or emergency situation were reported during the flight’s return, and all passengers landed safely in Delhi, sources said.
