Air India Express flight returns to Kozhikode due to technical issue

Dubai: An Air India Express flight (IX375) from Kozhikode to Doha returned to its origin shortly after takeoff due to a technical issue today, Wednesday. The flight, a Boeing 737-86N, departed Calicut International Airport at 9.17 am and landed safely back at 11.12 am. An airline spokesperson confirmed the return due to a technical issue and stated that an alternative aircraft was arranged. Passengers were provided with refreshments, and the flight has since departed.

This incident follows an event yesterday, Tuesday, involving an Air India flight (AI 315) from Hong Kong to Delhi. This aircraft experienced an auxiliary power unit (APU) fire shortly after landing at Delhi's Indira Gandhi International (IGI) Airport.

The APU, a small engine typically located at the tail, provides power to essential systems when main engines are off. The airline spokesperson reported that the incident occurred while passengers were beginning to disembark and the APU automatically shut down as per system design. There was some damage to the aircraft, but all passengers and crew disembarked normally and are safe. No injuries were reported. The aircraft remains grounded for further investigations, and the regulator has been notified.