Air India Dreamliner Returns to Hong Kong Mid-Flight as Pilots Detect Technical Issue
An Air India Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner operating flight AI315 from Hong Kong to Delhi made a precautionary return on Monday morning, after a technical issue prompted the pilots to terminate the journey 90 minutes into the flight.
The aircraft, which had taken off from Hong Kong International Airport around 9:30 am IST, remained in contact with Air Traffic Control as the situation unfolded. In a recorded audio clip now circulating, the pilot can be heard stating: “We don’t want to continue further,” indicating the crew’s decision to return due to safety concerns.
The flight crew initially informed ATC of a desire to remain in proximity to Hong Kong while they assessed the issue. Eventually, the decision was made to land back at the origin airport.
“Due to a technical reason, we would like to stay closer to Hong Kong. Maybe, we will come back and land once we sort out the problem,” the pilot relayed to the control tower.
The flight landed safely, and Air India confirmed the aircraft is undergoing thorough checks. A spokesperson from the airline stated:
“Flight AI315 from Hong Kong to Delhi on 16 June 2025 returned to Hong Kong shortly after takeoff due to a technical issue. All passengers are safe, and the aircraft is being inspected as a precaution.”
The airline added that alternate arrangements were being made to ensure passengers reach Delhi at the earliest. Ground support was also provided to minimize disruption.
This incident follows closely on the heels of a tragic crash involving another Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner (AI171) that departed from Ahmedabad, raising fresh concerns around this aircraft model. Just a day earlier, a British Airways Dreamliner en route to Chennai had returned to London due to a separate technical issue.
