An Air India flight bound for Chennai had to return to Mumbai shortly after takeoff on Friday night due to a suspected burning odour detected within the cabin, the airline confirmed on Sunday.
According to the airline’s official statement, flight AI 639 departed Mumbai at 10:55 pm but had to initiate a “safety-driven return” shortly into the journey. The crew noticed an unusual smell, prompting immediate precautionary action.
“The aircraft returned safely to Mumbai without any incident,” said a representative from Air India. A different plane was arranged for passengers following the safe landing.
To ensure travellers faced minimal inconvenience, the ground staff at Mumbai airport stepped in with prompt assistance, managing the situation smoothly while addressing passenger concerns.
The spokesperson assured that passenger care remained a priority. “We sincerely regret the disruption, but the well-being and security of both passengers and crew always come first,” the statement read.
The incident, though handled efficiently, brought attention to the importance of swift in-flight decisions and safety readiness. Passengers appreciated the timely intervention by the flight crew and airport support team, despite the delay in reaching their destination.
This mid-air scare, while resolved without injury or escalation, underscored the unpredictable nature of air travel and the critical role of vigilant onboard response teams.
Air India has since launched an internal review to assess the cause of the cabin smell and ensure corrective steps are taken to prevent recurrence.
#FlightSafetyFirst
#AirIndiaUpdate
#AviationAlert
#PassengerCare