Sonali Tiwary
An Air India flight made an emergency return to Hong Kong on Monday when the pilot decided not to continue the journey due to technical issues. This incident adds to growing concerns about Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner aircraft, especially after a fatal crash in Ahmedabad just days earlier.
Flight AI315 took off from Hong Kong International Airport around 9:30 am IST on Monday, June 16, 2025, headed for Delhi. After reaching an altitude of 22,000 feet, the plane began descending and circled back to Hong Kong, landing safely about 85 minutes after takeoff.
In a recorded conversation with air traffic controllers, the pilot clearly stated his safety concerns: “For technical reasons, sir, we would like to stay closer to Hong Kong, maybe we will come back to Hong Kong and sort out the problem.” The pilot added firmly, “We don’t want to continue further.”
This precautionary return comes at a sensitive time for Air India and Boeing. On June 12, another Air India Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner crashed in Ahmedabad, killing 241 of the 242 people onboard and several others on the ground. This was India’s deadliest aviation disaster.
Air India confirmed the Hong Kong incident in a statement: “AI315 operating from Hong Kong to Delhi on 16 June 2025 air-returned to Hong Kong shortly after take-off due to a technical issue. The flight landed safely in Hong Kong and is undergoing checks as a matter of abundant precaution.”
The airline said it was making “alternative arrangements” for passengers and providing “all necessary on-ground assistance to minimize the inconvenience.”
The Hong Kong incident is just one of several recent problems with Dreamliners. A British Airways Dreamliner heading to Chennai had to return to London on Sunday due to technical issues. On the same day, a Lufthansa flight to Hyderabad turned back to Frankfurt after receiving a bomb threat.
Similar Posts
The string of incidents has increased public concern about the Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner model. Air India reportedly canceled at least nine long-haul flights on June 17, mostly involving Dreamliners, citing “plane shortage and snags.”
Following the Ahmedabad crash, the Indian government formed an investigation panel with officials from the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), the Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB), and independent aviation safety experts. They will look into possible technical failures, maintenance records, and crew actions.
Despite these concerns, India’s aviation watchdog has reportedly found “no major safety concerns” with Air India’s fleet of 24 Dreamliners.
Air India Chairman N. Chandrasekaran addressed staff after the Ahmedabad crash, stating it “should be a catalyst to build a safer airline” and urging employees to “stay resolute amid any criticism.”
For now, the precise nature of the technical issue that prompted the Hong Kong return remains undisclosed as safety checks continue.
