16 June,2026 03:00 PM IST | Kannur | mid-day online correspondent
File Photo
Passengers aboard an Air India Express flight from Kannur to Jeddah experienced anxious moments on Tuesday morning after the aircraft reportedly developed a suspected technical issue shortly after take-off, prompting the crew to return to Kannur International Airport as a precautionary measure.
The flight had departed from Kannur at around 7.03 a.m. and was en route to Jeddah in Saudi Arabia when the crew detected a possible technical snag approximately 30 minutes into the journey. Following established safety protocols, the pilots decided not to continue with the international flight and instead opted to return to the airport of origin.
The aircraft landed safely at Kannur at around 9 a.m., with all 180 passengers and crew members on board reported safe.
According to preliminary information, the suspected technical issue was identified soon after the aircraft had climbed to cruising altitude.
As part of standard aviation safety procedures, flight crews are required to assess any technical anomalies and determine the safest course of action. In this case, the pilots elected to discontinue the flight and return to Kannur for further inspection.
Airport authorities and airline officials closely monitored the aircraft's progress while preparations were made for its return.
Because the aircraft was operating an international route to Jeddah, it had departed with a substantial fuel load intended for the long-haul journey.
Aircraft are subject to maximum landing weight limitations, and landing immediately after take-off can sometimes require reducing fuel weight to ensure a safe landing.
Officials said the aircraft remained airborne and circled the area multiple times to burn fuel before commencing its approach to Kannur. Reports indicated that the plane completed approximately 18 circuits before receiving clearance to land.
The manoeuvre was carried out as a routine precautionary measure and is a recognised procedure in aviation operations when aircraft need to return shortly after departure.
Technical teams have begun examining the aircraft to determine the nature of the reported problem.
According to initial reports, the aircraft had recently experienced an issue involving its Auxiliary Power Unit (APU), a system that provides electrical power and supports engine starting operations while on the ground.
The earlier issue had reportedly been addressed and the aircraft was cleared for service. Authorities are now investigating whether there is any connection between the previously reported APU problem and the technical issue detected during Tuesday's flight.
Officials stressed that a detailed inspection will be conducted before the aircraft is cleared to resume operations.
Following the safe landing, airline representatives attended to passengers and coordinated arrangements for their onward travel.
While officials have not yet announced details regarding alternative flights or revised schedules, passengers are expected to be accommodated after technical evaluations are completed and operational plans are finalised.
Many passengers reportedly experienced concern during the extended period spent circling before landing, though the flight crew kept the situation under control and followed all required safety procedures.
Aviation experts note that precautionary returns following technical alerts are not uncommon and are part of the industry's safety-first approach.
Modern aircraft are equipped with sophisticated monitoring systems that can detect potential technical abnormalities, allowing flight crews to make informed decisions before a situation becomes critical.
The decision to return to Kannur, reduce fuel weight and conduct a controlled landing reflects standard international aviation practices designed to prioritise passenger and crew safety above all else.
Airport authorities and airline engineers are continuing their assessment of the aircraft, and further details regarding the nature of the technical issue are expected after the inspection process is completed.
(With inputs from IANS)
