Delhi: An Air India flight from Vienna to Delhi was diverted to Dubai on Thursday after the Boeing 787 Dreamliner experienced a malfunction in its autopilot system, airline sources and aviation officials confirmed. The incident caused temporary delays but no injuries, and all passengers were later flown safely to Delhi.
Autopilot malfunction prompted diversion
Sources told Hindustan Times that the aircraft, VT-ANC operating flight AI-154, experienced disconnection of its autopilot during cruise at FL390 (flight level 39,000 feet). Several autopilot functions were affected, including GLS, flight directors (FDs), autothrottle, flight control systems, and auto-landing capabilities. Attempts to re-engage the autopilot were unsuccessful.
Following the malfunction, the flight crew promptly informed Air Traffic Control (ATC), and it was decided that the safest course of action was to divert to Dubai for precautionary checks.
“The aircraft landed safely in Dubai, and all technical issues were addressed before continuing to Delhi,” a source familiar with the matter said.
Air India clarifies situation
Air India issued a statement denying reports of any electrical failure. According to the airline, the diversion was purely due to a technical issue related to the autopilot system.
“AI154 operating from Vienna to Delhi on 09 October was diverted to Dubai due to a technical issue. The aircraft landed safely at Dubai and underwent necessary checks. All passengers were kept informed of the delay, provided refreshments, and the flight, operated by the same aircraft, departed Dubai at 08:45 hrs IST and landed in Delhi at 12:19 hrs IST,” the spokesperson said.
The airline emphasised that passenger and crew safety remains the top priority and categorically denied assertions of an electrical failure on board.
Passenger experience
Passengers reportedly received regular updates during the delay and were provided with refreshments while the aircraft was on the ground in Dubai. No injuries or health issues were reported.
Aviation experts said such diversions are standard safety protocols and underscore the rigorous safety measures followed by airlines for technical anomalies, especially in long-haul flights.
Boeing 787 safety and operational procedures
The Boeing 787 Dreamliner is equipped with multiple redundant systems to ensure continued safe operation even if certain components fail. In-flight malfunctions like autopilot disconnection are uncommon but handled through standard operating procedures, which include notifying ATC, diverting if necessary, and performing on-ground inspections before continuing the journey.
Industry insiders noted that the crew’s decision to divert to Dubai was precautionary and demonstrated adherence to strict safety norms, preventing any potential risk to passengers.
Conclusion
The AI-154 incident highlights the importance of technical vigilance and crew training in aviation. While the diversion caused temporary inconvenience, all passengers reached Delhi safely, and Air India confirmed that the aircraft underwent thorough checks before resuming its scheduled flight. Safety protocols remain the airline’s highest priority, and no further issues have been reported with the Boeing 787 Dreamliner involved.