Dubai flight returns to airport after plane’s mid-air difficulties

Dubai: After experiencing technical issues while in the air, an aircraft to Dubai was diverted back to the airport from where it had taken off.

After takeoff, the Kerala, India–to–UAE Air India Express flight reported an issue with its air conditioning system.

Given that there were more than 170 passengers on board, the aircraft crew decided to make a second attempt at landing at Thiruvananthapuram International Airport.

Both the airline and the airport released statements citing a broken AC as the technical problem requiring the flight to return.

“A Dubai-bound Air India Express flight returned to the Thiruvananthapuram International Airport after a malfunction in the AC. The flight took off at 1.19pm and returned at 3.52pm,” Thiruvananthapuram International Airport stated.

Prior to Air India Express setting up a different aircraft and rescheduled trip, all 174 passengers on board the aircraft were safely returned to Kerala.

Air India Express issued the following statement to the media: “IX-539 operating from Thiruvananthapuram to Dubai, experienced a technical issue with the air conditioning system after take-off.

“The operating crew elected to carry out a precautionary landing at Thiruvananthapuram.”

“The airline promptly arranged for another aircraft to ensure a comfortable journey, accommodating all the guests for the rescheduled departure at 6pm”.

The airline expressed its regret to customers for the inconvenience and reaffirmed its dedication to their security and comfort.