An Air India Express flight en route to Kolkata made a precautionary return to Bengaluru on Sunday evening due to a technical issue, according to PTI. FlightIX2718, operated by an Airbus A320, remained airborne for more than two hours before safely landing at Kempegowda International Airport. Flight tracking data from Flightradar24.com confirmed the extended mid-air duration as the aircraft circled to burn fuel and reduce weight.
In an official statement issued Monday, an Air India Express spokesperson said, “One of our Bengaluru departures returned as a safety measure after encountering a technical concern. The aircraft performed fuel-circling procedures before carrying out a controlled landing.”
Though the exact technical fault remains under investigation, the airline has not revealed the number of passengers affected. However, an alternative aircraft was promptly arranged to complete the journey to Kolkata, ensuring minimal disruption for travelers.
The precautionary return aligns with standard aviation safety protocols, which require fuel dumping or consumption to reach a safe landing weight in case of mid-flight anomalies. While no injuries were reported, the incident serves as a reminder of the complexities involved in maintaining aircraft reliability.
Air India Express has assured that safety remains a top priority and all necessary checks are being conducted to determine the root cause. The airline continues to cooperate with regulatory bodies as part of standard post-incident procedures.