Air India Flight to Canada Diverted Due to Aircraft Type Error

On March 19, Air India's flight AI 185, en route from Indira Gandhi International Airport in New Delhi to Vancouver, was forced to turn back after nearly eight hours in the air. The flight made the return journey while it was still over Chinese airspace.

According to Air India, the decision to return was prompted by an operational issue linked to the aircraft type dispatched. The flight had been operated using a Boeing 777-200 Long Range aircraft, whereas Canadian authorities permit only the Extended Range variant for such routes. This documentation error led to the aircraft being considered unfit to enter Canadian airspace.

Sources revealed that the airline's ground staff recognised the mix-up concerning the aircraft type during the flight. The cockpit crew subsequently received instructions to return, and Air Traffic Control at Indira Gandhi International Airport granted permission for the mid-air diversion. The return to Delhi occurred at approximately 7.19 pm, several hours after take-off at 12.18 pm.

All passengers and crew aboard the flight disembarked safely upon landing, and none were reported to have been harmed during the incident. In a statement, Air India expressed regret for the inconvenience faced by passengers. The airline guaranteed that ground teams provided necessary assistance, which included accommodation while arrangements were made for the next flight to Vancouver.

The passengers were able to board another flight the following morning and continue their journey. Air India noted that the safety and well-being of its passengers and crew remains the highest priority.

This incident highlights the importance of thorough pre-flight checks and accurate documentation, especially concerning international travel regulations governing aircraft operations. As regulations can vary significantly between countries, ensuring compliance is crucial for airlines to avoid operational disruptions such as this one.