Overview
- Flight AI185 departed on March 19 and reversed course over Chinese airspace near Kunming about four hours into the journey, returning to Delhi that evening after more than seven hours aloft.
- Multiple reports say Canada approvals cover Air India’s Boeing 777-300ERs on this route, not the 777-200LR that operated the flight (registration VT-AEI).
- Air India described the event as an operational issue, said the aircraft landed safely, and provided hotel accommodation before reoperating the service the next morning with the affected passengers.
- People familiar with the matter said the airline is reviewing the lapse and may take action against responsible staff, though no regulatory findings have been announced.
- Officials and media estimates indicate substantial costs from fuel burn, accommodations and lost capacity, potentially running into several crores of rupees.