Air India uses wrong aircraft for Canada flight, circles for hours before returning to Delhi
Flight AI185 diverted while cruising over Chinese airspace
DUBAI – A Vancouver-bound Air India flight was forced to return to New Delhi after remaining airborne for nearly eight hours, following the discovery that the aircraft deployed was not authorised for operations on the Canada route.
The incident, which unfolded mid-journey, prompted an immediate operational decision to divert the aircraft back to its origin. All passengers landed safely, with the airline later confirming arrangements for their onward travel.
The flight, AI185, departed from Delhi as scheduled and was operated using a Boeing 777-200 LR aircraft, registered as VT-AEI. However, several hours into the journey, a discrepancy was identified regarding the aircraft’s approval status for Canadian operations.
Mid-air turn
According to available flight data, the aircraft had been airborne for more than seven hours and had entered Chinese airspace when the issue came to light. Roughly four hours into the flight, airline officials reportedly realised that the aircraft did not meet the necessary regulatory requirements to operate the Canada-bound service.
Following this discovery, the crew made the decision to turn the aircraft back to Delhi. Flight tracking platforms showed the jet reversing course mid-air and heading back to the Indian capital, completing a prolonged return journey before landing safely.
Air India confirmed in an official statement that the aircraft landed without incident at Delhi airport. While specific operational details were not disclosed, the airline described the move as aligned with safety and regulatory requirements.
Operational lapse
Reports in local media media indicated that the situation may have stemmed from an apparent lapse in updating operational requirements for flights to Canada. This oversight resulted in the deployment of an aircraft that was not approved for the route, triggering the mid-air reversal.
Industry experts noted that such incidents, while rare, can arise from documentation or compliance gaps, particularly on international routes with strict regulatory frameworks. The financial implications of the diversion, including fuel costs, operational disruption, and passenger accommodation, are expected to be significant.
Passenger support
Upon arrival back in Delhi after nearly eight hours in the air, all passengers were safely disembarked. Air India expressed regret over the inconvenience caused and confirmed that affected travellers were provided with hotel accommodation and necessary assistance.
The airline also arranged alternative flights, with passengers scheduled to depart for Vancouver the following day.