Air India flight returns to Mumbai after burning smell detected in cabin

Dubai: An Air India flight to Chennai was forced to return to Mumbai on Saturday after passengers and crew detected a burning smell in the cabin, media reports said.

Flight AI 639, operating from Mumbai to Chennai on June 27, made a precautionary decision to return to Mumbai shortly after takeoff, Air India confirmed in an official statement.

“The flight safely landed back in Mumbai, and an aircraft change was arranged,” the airline said, without providing further details on the cause of the smell.

Air India added that its ground teams in Mumbai offered all necessary assistance to passengers to minimise inconvenience caused by the unexpected disruption.

A passenger shared on social media that the plane departed Mumbai at 11:50 pm and flew for about 45 minutes before the captain announced the return due to a technical issue. The flight touched down safely at approximately 12:47 am.

Several Air India incidents disrupt flights this week

Air India faced multiple operational disruptions in recent days:

Medical emergency forces return to Kolkata

On June 26, Flight AI186 from Kolkata to Delhi (en route from Vancouver) returned shortly after takeoff due to a passenger’s medical emergency. After treatment, the flight resumed. The technical halt was planned due to Pakistani airspace restrictions.

Passengers and crew fall ill mid-flight

On June 23, Flight AI130 from London to Mumbai reported dizziness and nausea among five passengers and two crew. The flight landed safely; affected individuals were treated and discharged. The incident is under investigation.

Bomb threat diverts flight to Riyadh

On June 22, a UK-New Delhi flight was diverted to Riyadh following a bomb threat. Security checks cleared the plane, and Air India arranged alternative flights.

Hay causes five-hour delay in Mumbai

Flight AI2354 from Mumbai to Bangkok was delayed after hay was found stuck under the wing. Though the issue was resolved with safety checks, regulatory crew duty limits required a replacement crew, causing further delay. The source of the hay remains unknown, and the ground service provider is under investigation.

DGCA launches safety review

Following the June 12 Air India crash in Ahmedabad and recent irregularities, the DGCA has begun a thorough safety review of Indian airlines. Areas under audit include flight operations, aircraft maintenance, ramp and air traffic control safety, communication/navigation systems, and crew medical fitness. Early audits have flagged multiple compliance issues, prompting calls for stronger regulatory oversight.

Air India reiterated that passenger safety remains its highest priority amid these challenges.