Air India Flight from Chennai to Singapore Makes Dramatic Emergency Return Due to Technical Issues

In a startling turn of events, an Air India flight scheduled from Chennai International Airport (MAA) to Singapore Changi Airport (SIN) was forced to make an emergency landing back in Chennai due to a technical snag on January 10, 2025.

The Gurugram-based airline, part of the Tata Group, operates a daily service between Chennai and Singapore using Airbus A321 aircraft. Additionally, they provide codeshare agreements with Air India Express and Singapore Airlines, augmenting their flight options between the two major cities.

Turbulence in the Skies

The aircraft, identified as flight AI346, took off from Chennai at 7:16 PM UTC (12:46 AM local time). Just 30 minutes into its ascent, the flight crew reported a technical issue after reaching altitude at 31,000 feet and quickly declared an emergency, turning the flight around.

To prevent an overweight landing situation, the skilled flight crew executed a holding pattern over the sea near the Chennai coast, burning excess fuel for approximately one and a half hours. The aircraft successfully landed back at Chennai at 10:39 PM UTC (4:09 AM IST) without any injuries reported among the 170 passengers onboard. Upon landing, a team of maintenance engineers commenced a thorough inspection of the aircraft, which is registered as VT-PPO, a 15.5-year-old Airbus A321 powered by CFM 56 engines.

While the specifics of the technical issues remain unclear, data analysis suggests it was not a severe problem, as the pilots were able to manage the situation and land safely.

Swift Replacement and Continued Journey

Following the incident, Air India wasted no time in ensuring that the stranded passengers would continue their journey. The airline arranged for a different aircraft—a 7.8-year-old Airbus A320neo (registration VT-CIE)—to transport the passengers to Singapore. This replacement flight departed Chennai at 2:02 AM UTC (7:32 AM local time) and safely landed at Changi Airport by 6:37 AM UTC (2:37 PM local time).

A Pattern of Technical Snags

Despite the successful resolution of this incident, Air India and its subsidiary Air India Express have been frequently in the news for similar situations involving delays and technical issues. Just a week prior, on January 5, an Air India flight from Bengaluru to Delhi reported an engine stall and opted for a precautionary landing back in Bengaluru. On January 3, another Air India Express flight faced emergency landing due to landing gear complications.

Notably, last December, an Air India Boeing 787 experienced a hydraulic leak from the nose landing gear while on the runway at Birmingham Airport, leading to a dramatic and prolonged standstill.

Safety is Paramount

While the frequency of such incidents may raise eyebrows, it is crucial to acknowledge that no passengers or crew members have been harmed in these occurrences. Air India remains steadfast in its commitment to passenger safety. The airline reassures travelers that the safety and well-being of their passengers and crew are their top priorities, and they are continually working to address and rectify technical challenges that may arise.

Stay informed about the latest travel updates, safety protocols, and airline news by following reputable sources.