Air India Flight AI 185 Returns to Delhi After Extended Flight Duration
Air India flight AI 185, en route from Delhi to Vancouver, had to return after more than seven hours in the air due to operational issues. The aircraft safely landed back in Delhi, and all passengers and crew were unharmed. The airline has apologized for the inconvenience and provided necessary assistance to affected travelers. The exact cause of the return and the number of passengers on board remain undisclosed, raising questions about the incident. Read on for more details about this unexpected flight situation.
| Mar 20, 2026, 19:02 IST
Air India Flight Returns After Extended Duration
Air India has officially confirmed that its flight AI 185, traveling from Delhi to Vancouver, had to return after spending over seven hours in the air on March 19. According to flight tracking data, the aircraft took off from Indira Gandhi International Airport but had to make a U-turn while crossing Chinese airspace. The plane eventually landed safely back in Delhi, with all passengers and crew disembarking without any incidents.
In its statement, Air India mentioned that the decision to return was made due to "an operational issue and in accordance with established standard operating procedures," although specific details were not disclosed. Notably, the AI 185 flight was operated by a Boeing 777-200 LR aircraft (VT-AEI), while the route typically utilizes a Boeing 777-337 (ER) model. A source indicated that there might have been an administrative issue related to the aircraft, prompting the mid-air return. However, the exact reason for the route change and the number of passengers on board remain unclear.
Air India expressed regret for the inconvenience caused to its passengers due to this unexpected situation. The airline's ground team in Delhi provided all necessary assistance, including arranging hotel accommodations, and made every effort to ensure that passengers reached their destination as soon as possible.