Hyderabad-Phuket Flight Turns Back Mid Air After Technical Glitch

Hyderabad:

An Air India Express Boeing 737 MAX 8, operating flight IX110 from Hyderabad to Phuket, returned to Rajiv Gandhi International Airport shortly after take‑off on Saturday morning owing to a technical issue.

The aircraft, registration VT‑BWA, was scheduled to depart at 06:20 AM IST. However, data sourced from FlightRadar24 indicates it actually left at around 06:40 AM and touched back down just over fifteen minutes later at 06:57 AM. Authorities confirmed that the flight made a mid‑air U‑turn “as a precaution” after detecting a technical snag.

All 80 passengers and six crew members aboard disembarked safely without incident. Airport officials stated that no injuries occurred and emergency response protocols were followed, prioritising passenger safety.

The airline has not yet released detailed technical findings, but a spokesperson offered an apology: “We apologise for the inconvenience caused due to the disruption of your flight. Please note that the delay was due to technical reasons, as ensuring our guests’ safety remains our top priority,” while adding investigations are underway and revised travel arrangements are being made.

This incident forms part of a recent pattern of technical disruptions across various carriers. Deccan Chronicle commented that the aircraft “experienced a technical issue shortly after take‑off,” leading to a precautionary return. The Civil Aviation Department and Air India Express maintenance teams have launched a full system review.

Passengers expressed frustration over the abrupt turnaround. One traveller posted on social media: “The flight took off at schedule but returned… it is frustrating as still there hasn’t been any update and we are waiting in the plane for further info,” while another added: “Thank you @AirIndiaX for making me realise to never ever fly with you again”.

Despite the inconvenience, experts noted the airline’s prompt action in bringing the aircraft back. Safety consultant Arun Mishra, speaking off the record, remarked: “Early detection and immediate action likely prevented escalation. That is the mark of a sound safety culture.”

Flight IX110 had been scheduled to land in Phuket at approximately 11:45 AM local time. Following the unscheduled return, passengers were offered accommodations and re‑bookings on forthcoming services. Air India Express said efforts are ongoing to ensure their journey resumes at the earliest.

The aircraft, part of Air India Express’s expanding fleet of Boeing 737 MAX 8 jets, serves key international destinations from its Hyderabad hub. The airline, a subsidiary of Air India, has focused heavily on safety enhancements following the disastrous June 2025 crash of a Boeing 787–8 departing Ahmedabad, which tragically claimed 260 lives.

Saturday’s incident does not appear to be related to that crash but underscores the sector’s ongoing challenges with technical reliability. Regulatory bodies worldwide have been advising airlines to reinforce maintenance protocols, irrespective of aircraft type, in the aftermath of recent events.

Air India Express has pledged a comprehensive inspection of IX110 before it resumes service. Passengers due to travel on upcoming Phuket flights are advised to check schedules and flight statuses with the airline. The airline also confirmed that full support and transparency will be provided to those affected.