Air India flight AI191, en route from Mumbai to Newark, was forced to make a precautionary return to Mumbai due to a suspected technical issue, the airline confirmed. The Boeing aircraft landed safely, but the incident led to the cancellation of both AI191 and its return leg, AI144, from Newark to Mumbai. The aircraft is currently undergoing thorough inspections to identify the glitch. This disruption marks the second such incident for Air India in a week, raising concerns about the airline’s operational reliability.

Air India issued a statement emphasizing the safety of passengers and crew as its top priority. “The crew of flight AI191 made a precautionary air-return to Mumbai due to a suspected technical issue,” a spokesperson said. Affected passengers in Mumbai have been provided hotel accommodations and rebooked on alternative Air India flights or those of other carriers. Similarly, passengers awaiting AI144 in Newark were notified of the cancellation and are being assisted with alternative travel arrangements. The airline’s swift response aims to mitigate inconvenience, though passenger dissatisfaction has surfaced.

This incident follows closely on the heels of another Air India disruption on October 17, when flight AI138 from Milan to Delhi was cancelled due to a prolonged technical issue with a Dreamliner aircraft. Over 250 passengers were left stranded in Milan, with most rebooked on a flight on October 20, coinciding with Diwali. Social media posts highlighted inadequate facilities for those affected, amplifying criticism of Air India’s handling of such crises. The recurrence of technical issues has sparked scrutiny of the airline’s maintenance protocols and customer service.

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The cancellations underscore broader challenges for Air India as it navigates an aging fleet and increasing passenger expectations. While the airline has promised expedited support for affected travelers, these incidents risk denting its reputation, especially during high-travel periods like Diwali. As inspections continue on the Mumbai-Newark aircraft, passengers and industry observers alike await clarity on the root causes and measures to prevent future disruptions, with Air India under pressure to restore confidence in its operations.

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