'Full emergency': Air India flight returns to Delhi after fire warning

Air India flight AI-807 from Delhi with 175 passengers onboard returned due to a suspected fire in the aircraft's air conditioning unit today

Today, an Air India flight that took off from Delhi for Bengaluru with 175 passengers onboard returned due to a suspected fire in the aircraft's air conditioning unit. According to a Delhi airport official, the flight returned to Delhi and landed safely.

“Air India flight AI807 flying Delhi to Bengaluru air returned to Delhi this evening after a fire warning from its auxiliary power unit. After the pilots exercised the necessary protocols, the aircraft made an uneventful landing and all passengers and crew deplaned at the aerobridge safely. Air India accords top priority to the safety and well-being of its passengers. Our colleagues on the ground have made alternative arrangements for guests to proceed back to their destination at the earliest,” said an Air India spokesperson.

The spokesperson said alternative arrangements have been made for the passengers to proceed back to their destination at the earliest.

Earlier, sources said there was a suspected fire in the air conditioning unit of the plane and that an emergency was declared. The plane made a safe precautionary landing at around 6.40 pm, they added.

In connection with the suspected fire in the aircraft, Delhi Fire Services (DFS) pressed three fire tenders into service.

This is the second incident of the day related to Air India aircraft. Earlier a Delhi-bound Air India flight had to abort its take-off and was later cancelled after it hit a luggage tractor trolley while taxiing for departure at the Pune airport, airline sources said on Friday. The incident occurred around 4 pm on Thursday, they said. The incident occurred around 4 pm on Thursday, they said.

There were around 200 passengers on board the flight and following the incident, they got stranded at the airport for around six hours, the sources said.Air India said passengers were refunded their full fares and offered complimentary rescheduling. Those with onward international connections were accommodated on flights operated by other carriers, it said.Air India said passengers were refunded their full fares and offered complimentary rescheduling. Those with onward international connections were accommodated on flights operated by other carriers, it said.

*With Agency Inputs