An Air India aircraft scheduled for San Francisco returned to New Delhi on Wednesday after a technical problem developed during the flight. The plane had been airborne for more than eight hours before turning back, according to the airline and tracking data.
The Boeing 777-300ER carried about 230 passengers and had flown over three hours through Chinese airspace before diverting to Delhi.
Flight AI173 left Delhi for San Francisco but returned following standard safety procedures, Air India stated.
The aircraft landed safely and will undergo technical inspection under the airline’s safety protocols.
Air India is arranging alternative flights and providing support including meals, hotel stays and rescheduling options.
The airline did not disclose the exact technical issue.
Flight tracking showed the diversion began after more than three hours in the air while over Chinese airspace.
Air India expressed regret for the inconvenience and said it is working to transport passengers to their destination soon.
