Air India Flight Makes Emergency Return to Delhi After Smoke Alert: What Happened and Passenger Impact

New Delhi:

An Air India aircraft traveling from Delhi to Ahmedabad on November 27 returned to Delhi shortly after takeoff when the cockpit received a smoke indication from the cargo hold area, the airline confirmed on Thursday.

According to an Air India representative, the crew of flight AI2939 immediately made the decision to return to Delhi following standard safety protocols after an alert appeared on their cockpit monitoring systems.

"The crew operating flight AI2939 from Delhi to Ahmedabad on 27 November decided to return to Delhi shortly after take-off due to a smoke indication in the cargo hold area, which was later found to be false after the aircraft underwent thorough precautionary checks," stated the official.

An Air India spokesperson confirmed that the aircraft landed safely and all passengers and crew were evacuated without any incidents.

"Following standard operating procedure, the aircraft landed in Delhi, and the passengers and crew were disembarked safely. Our ground team at Delhi had provided immediate assistance to the passengers, and alternative arrangements were made to fly them to their destination at the earliest," the airline further explained.

In a separate incident on Thursday, Air India Express announced that its flight (IX 2884) from Guwahati to Hyderabad was cancelled due to "unforeseen operational reasons."

This announcement came after Indian cricket player Mohammed Siraj publicly criticized the airline for the extended delay in departure from Guwahati and lack of communication regarding the situation.

"We regret to inform you that the flight has been cancelled due to unforeseen operational reasons. Our team at the airport is actively assisting all guests with the necessary arrangements. We understand how difficult this situation is, and we truly appreciate your patience and understanding. Please be assured that our team will continue to keep you updated and extend all possible support," Air India Express responded under Siraj's post on X.

Siraj, a fast bowler for the Indian cricket team, expressed his frustration on Wednesday evening regarding the flight delay that was scheduled for departure at 7:25 pm, highlighting the airline's poor communication.

"Air India flight no IX 2884 from Guwahati to Hyderabad was supposed to take off at 7.25, however, there has been no communication from the airline and after repeatedly following up, they have just delayed the flight with no proper reasoning. This has been really frustrating and this is the basic ask by every passenger," he shared on X.

"Flight delayed by 4 hours and still no update has left us stranded. Worst airline experience. I really would not advise anyone to take this flight if they can't take a stand," he added.