Mumbai, June 29 – A Chennai-bound Air India flight was forced to return to Mumbai mid-air on Friday, June 27, after a burning smell was detected inside the cabin, prompting immediate precautionary action. Flight AI639, which had just departed from Mumbai, was diverted back as a safety measure. The airline confirmed that the aircraft landed safely and that an alternate plane was promptly arranged for the passengers.
Ground staff provided assistance to those on board, helping to minimize disruption and ensuring onward travel with minimal inconvenience. While the situation was resolved without incident, it has once again drawn public attention to a string of recent operational challenges faced by the national carrier.
On the same day, a separate Air India aircraft triggered concern after receiving a non-specific security alert. Airline officials said standard operating procedures were swiftly followed, including a thorough security inspection, after which the aircraft was cleared for its next scheduled journey.
Adding to the day’s developments, Air India Express—Air India’s low-cost subsidiary—experienced another setback when Flight IX2564, flying from Delhi to Jammu, had to return to its point of origin due to a technical glitch. The flight, which departed Delhi at 11:04 AM, turned around mid-air and returned safely. Passengers were accommodated on a replacement aircraft.
These incidents have reignited discussions around aviation safety in India, especially in light of the tragic crash of Air India Flight AI-171 on June 12. That flight, en route from Ahmedabad to London, resulted in the deaths of 241 passengers out of 242 on board—one of the deadliest accidents in India’s recent aviation history.
Air India has reiterated its commitment to the highest safety standards, assuring that passenger well-being remains its top priority. Still, as scrutiny from regulatory bodies and public concern mounts, the airline faces growing pressure to demonstrate transparency, accountability, and rigorous safety oversight in all operational aspects.
