04 August,2025 05:45 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondent
The cabin crew promptly relocated the affected passengers to other seats within the same cabin. Representational Pic
A few small cockroaches were reportedly spotted on board an Air India San Francisco-Mumbai flight on Monday.
An Air India spokesperson confirmed that two passengers on flight AI180 from San Francisco to Mumbai via Kolkata were disturbed by the presence of a few small cockroaches on board. The cabin crew promptly relocated the affected passengers to other seats within the same cabin, where they remained comfortable for the rest of the journey.
During the scheduled fuel stop in Kolkata, the ground crew carried out a thorough cleaning of the aircraft. The flight then departed on time for Mumbai.
"Despite regular fumigation, insects can occasionally enter during ground operations," the airline said, adding that a detailed investigation is underway to identify the source and prevent such incidents in the future. Air India has apologised for the inconvenience caused.
Air India Express flight IX2718, which took off from Bengaluru, was forced to return to the airport on Sunday after encountering a technical issue mid-air, the airline said on Monday.
According to a spokesperson from Air India Express, the aircraft executed a precautionary landing after circling in the air to burn fuel and reduce its weight. The manoeuvre was carried out in line with standard safety procedures.
"One of our flights from Bengaluru returned to the airport following a technical issue. The aircraft circled to reduce fuel and weight before executing a safe, precautionary landing," the spokesperson said in an official statement.
The airline stated that an alternative aircraft was organised to ensure the onward journey of the affected passengers.
"We regret the inconvenience and reaffirm our unwavering commitment to safety in all aspects of our operations," the spokesperson added.
An investigation is underway to determine the nature of the technical snag.
In July, an Air India Express flight failed to take off from Uttar Pradesh's Ghaziabad following a technical issue and subsequent watch hour limitations at the airport, an Air India Express Spokesperson had said.
The airline had provided guests with options, including hotel accommodation, complimentary rescheduling, or cancellation with a full refund.
On July 23, an Air India Express flight (IX375) from Kozhikode to Doha returned to its origin shortly after takeoff due to a technical issue.
The flight took off at 9:17 AM and landed safely back at Calicut International Airport at 11:12 AM. The airline arranged an alternative aircraft and provided refreshments to passengers, and the flight departed later.
According to the spokesperson, "One of our flights returned to Kohzikode, Kerala, after takeoff due to a technical issue. We arranged an alternative aircraft on a priority basis and provided the guests with refreshments during the delay, and the flight has since departed."
(With ANI inputs)
