An Air India aircraft bound for Ahmedabad was forced to make an emergency return to Delhi's Indira Gandhi International Airport on Tuesday following indications of suspected smoke onboard, creating tense moments for passengers and crew.
Emergency Return to Delhi Airport
The incident involved Air India flight AI-653, which had taken off from Delhi at approximately 5:45 am on Tuesday morning with 172 passengers onboard. The Airbus A321neo aircraft was en route to Ahmedabad when the crew detected a suspected smoke indication, prompting immediate safety protocols.
According to airport authorities, the pilots followed standard operating procedures and decided to return to Delhi rather than continue the journey. The aircraft safely landed back at Delhi airport at around 6:30 am, just 45 minutes after its initial departure. Emergency services were placed on high alert as a precautionary measure during the landing.
Passenger Safety and Alternate Arrangements
All 172 passengers onboard the affected flight were safely evacuated from the aircraft following the emergency landing. Airport medical teams were stationed ready, though no injuries or medical emergencies were reported among passengers or crew members.
Air India officials promptly arranged for an alternative aircraft to transport the stranded passengers to their intended destination. The replacement flight departed later in the morning, ensuring minimal disruption to travel plans despite the concerning incident.
Investigation and Technical Examination
Following the emergency landing, technical teams from Air India and airport authorities commenced a thorough inspection of the aircraft to determine the exact cause of the smoke indication. The examination focused on identifying whether the alert resulted from an actual smoke incident or a technical malfunction in the warning system.
An Air India spokesperson confirmed that safety remains the airline's top priority and that all necessary protocols were followed during the incident. The aircraft involved in the incident has been temporarily grounded pending complete technical evaluation and necessary repairs if required.
This incident highlights the importance of robust safety systems in aviation and the critical role of trained crew in handling emergency situations effectively while prioritizing passenger safety above all other considerations.
