Air India flight to Chennai makes U-turn in mid-air

The incident comes amid growing scrutiny of Air India’s operational safety, following a series of technical snags and emergency returns throughout June.

 Chennai-bound Air India flight from Mumbai was forced to return to its origin on Friday (June 27) after a burning smell was detected inside the cabin, the airline confirmed on Saturday.

Flight AI639, which had taken off for Chennai, made a precautionary air-return to Mumbai shortly after departure. The aircraft landed safely and all passengers were deboarded without incident.

An Air India spokesperson said, “The crew of flight AI639 operating from Mumbai to Chennai on Friday, 27 June 2025, made a precautionary air-return to Mumbai due to a burning smell in the cabin. The flight landed safely back in Mumbai, and an aircraft change was initiated.”

Our ground colleagues in Mumbai provided all necessary support to passengers to minimise the inconvenience caused by this unforeseen disruption. At Air India, the safety and wellbeing of our guests and crew remain top priority,” the spokesperson added.
The incident comes amid growing scrutiny of Air India’s operational safety, following a series of technical snags and emergency returns throughout June. The airline has faced heightened attention after the deadly AI171 crash in Ahmedabad on June 12.

Confirming the development, an Air India Express spokesperson said, “An alternative aircraft was arranged to operate our Delhi-Jammu flight after the original aircraft returned to Delhi due to a technical issue. We regret the inconvenience caused.”