The Civil Aviation Department (CAD) of Hong Kong has asked Air India to submit a report after its Delhi-bound Boeing 787 aircraft returned to base after one hour of flying.
Air India said the aircraft operating as flight number AI 315 returned to Hong Kong due to a technical issue. “The CAD handled the situation according to established procedures and arranged the flight to land at Hong Kong International Airport safely at about 1.17 pm. The CAD immediately communicated with the airline to follow up the incident and requested the airline to submit a report,” said a spokesperson.
Post last Thursday’s air crash, the Directorate General of Civil Aviation has ordered enhanced checks of Air India’s Boeing fleet. While this step is being taken to enhance safety it is also causing flight delays.
Incidentally, the aircraft which turned back to Hong Kong (registration VT NAC) was inspected before the Delhi-Hong Kong flight. Air India sources said the pilot sought return to Hong Kong due to extreme caution.
“AI315 operating from Hong Kong to Delhi 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.
“Alternative arrangements have been planned to fly the passengers to their destination Delhi at the earliest. We are providing all necessary on-ground assistance to the passengers to minimise the inconvenience caused by this unforeseen disruption” said Air India.