Back-to-back mid-air scares: Air India Tokyo-Delhi flight diverted to Kolkata over cabin heat

Dubai: In the second incident in just two days, an Air India flight en route from Tokyo to Delhi was diverted to Kolkata on Sunday after passengers and crew experienced "persistent warm temperatures" inside the cabin, the airline confirmed.

Flight AI357, a Boeing 787 Dreamliner operating from Tokyo's Haneda Airport, made what Air India called a "precautionary diversion" and landed safely in Kolkata. The aircraft is currently undergoing technical checks.

“Air India flight AI357 operating from Haneda to Delhi on 29 June 2025 made a precautionary diversion to Kolkata due to persistent warm temperatures experienced in the cabin. The aircraft landed safely and is currently undergoing checks,” an Air India spokesperson said in a statement.

The airline assured that ground staff in Kolkata were providing necessary support to the passengers and that alternate arrangements were being made to transport them to Delhi.

“We regret the inconvenience caused to our passengers,” the spokesperson added.

This comes a day after another Air India flight, AI639 from Mumbai to Chennai, had to return mid-air to its departure airport after the crew detected a burning smell in the cabin.

That incident occurred on Friday, June 27. According to Air India, the aircraft landed safely in Mumbai, and a replacement aircraft was arranged to carry passengers to Chennai.

“The crew of flight AI639 made a precautionary air return due to a burning smell in the cabin. Our colleagues in Mumbai provided all necessary assistance to passengers to minimise inconvenience,” the airline said.

Both back-to-back incidents have raised fresh concerns over technical reliability and passenger safety, especially at a time when Air India is undergoing a major fleet and service overhaul under the Tata Group's ownership.

The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) is expected to seek detailed reports on both incidents.