Air India flight to London aborts take-off in Delhi over suspected technical snag

An Air India flight from Delhi to London was forced to abort take-off on Thursday after a suspected technical issue prompted the crew to return the aircraft to the bay as a precaution.

The incident occurred at the Indira Gandhi International (IGI) Airport shortly before the aircraft was set to depart.

Flight AI2017, which was scheduled to be operated using a Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner, was taxiing for departure when the cockpit crew identified a fault and decided to halt the take-off. The aircraft was then brought back to the parking bay for detailed checks.

“A suspected technical issue was observed, and the cockpit crew decided to discontinue the take-off. The aircraft was brought back for precautionary checks. An alternative aircraft is being deployed to fly the passengers to London at the earliest,” an Air India spokesperson said.

The airline has not specified the nature of the snag, but sources said it was detected just before take-off. On-ground staff were seen providing assistance to the affected passengers, who remained at the terminal while engineers carried out inspections. Refreshments and logistical support were extended as part of the airline’s contingency measures.

“Our ground staff is extending all support and care to the guests. At Air India, the safety and wellbeing of our passengers remain the top priority,” the spokesperson added.

The airline is arranging another aircraft, and the Directorate General of Civil Aviation has been informed. The replacement flight is expected to depart later in the day.