Another Air India Dreamliner Returns Mid-Air Amid Rising Safety Concerns After Fatal Ahmedabad Crash

Just a day after a British Airways Dreamliner was forced to return to London mid-air, an Air India Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner bound for Delhi was compelled to return to Hong Kong on Monday (16 June) morning following a suspected technical snag according to a India Today report.

Flight AI 315, which departed around 9.30 am IST, turned back approximately 90 minutes after take-off, according to data from Flightradar24. The pilots flagged a possible issue shortly after departure, and the aircraft safely landed back in Hong Kong.

All passengers and crew members were evacuated safely, sources confirmed to India Today. A full safety inspection is currently underway.

"AI315 operating from Hong Kong to Delhi on 16 June 2025 air-returned to Hong Kong shortly after take off due to a technical issue. The flight landed safely at Hong Kong and is undergoing checks as a matter of abundant precaution," an Air India spokesperson said.

The airline also confirmed that alternative arrangements were being made to transport passengers to Delhi and that all necessary on-ground assistance was being provided.

This is the second such incident involving a Dreamliner in less than 24 hours. On Sunday, British Airways flight BA35 to Chennai turned back to Heathrow two hours into the journey, also due to a technical problem.

The incidents follow the devastating Ahmedabad crash involving an Air India 787-8 last week, which claimed 270 lives, including passengers and civilians on the ground. The aircraft crashed into a medical college campus shortly after take-off, triggering a massive blaze.

In response, the DGCA has ordered sweeping inspections of all Boeing 787 aircraft powered by General Electric GenX engines, focusing on key systems such as fuel, hydraulics, and thrust performance.

Also Read: First Meeting Of High-Level Panel On Ahmedabad Plane Crash Scheduled Today In Delhi