Air India flight AI2939 operating from Delhi to Ahmedabad returned shortly after take off on 27 November. Indications of smoke from the aircraft’s cargo raised an alarm, after which the crew immediately initiated preventive safety procedures as part of standard operating protocols.
An Air India official said, “The crew operating flight AI2939 from Delhi to Ahmedabad on November 27 decided to return to Delhi shortly after take-off due to a smoke indication in the cargo area, which was later found to be false after the aircraft underwent thorough preventive checks,” ANI reported.
According to an Air India official, the plane landed safely and all passengers and crew were safely disembarked. A preliminary investigation revealed that the smoke indication was false.
The airline decided that alternative arrangements had been made for the passengers, it said: “As per standard operating procedure, the aircraft landed in Delhi and the passengers and crew disembarked safely. Our ground team in Delhi provided immediate assistance to the passengers and alternative arrangements were made to get them to their destination as soon as possible.”
Flight from Guwahati to Hyderabad has been cancelled
This incident occurred a day after Air India Express flight IX 2884 from Guwahati to Hyderabad was canceled due to “unforeseen operational reasons”. After Indian cricketer Mohammed Siraj publicly challenged the airline over the flight delay, the airline issued an explanation.
In response to Siraj’s post on X, Air India Express said: “We regret to inform you that the flight has been canceled due to unforeseen operational reasons. Our team at the airport is actively assisting all guests with the necessary arrangements. We understand how difficult this situation is and truly appreciate your patience and understanding. We assure you that our team will continue to keep you informed and extend all possible support.”
Expressing anguish over the delay, Mohammed Siraj, a fast bowler for the Indian cricket team, took to X and wrote, “”Air India flight no IX 2884 from Guwahati to Hyderabad was supposed to depart at 7:25 am but there was no communication from the airline and after repeated monitoring they just delayed the flight without proper justification. That’s really frustrating and that’s the basic requirement of every passenger.”
He went on to note that the flight was not served to passengers for several hours, saying: “Flight delayed 4 hours and still no update left us in the lurch. Worst airline experience ever. I really wouldn’t recommend anyone to take this flight unless they can take a stand.”
