HYDERABAD: An Air India Express flight bound for Phuket, Thailand, returned to the Rajiv Gandhi International Airport (RGIA) here less than half an hour after take-off due to a technical snag. The aircraft was carrying more than 100 people, including passengers and the crew.The Boeing aircraft, operating as IX 110, had already experienced a 20-minute delay at the airport. Originally scheduled for a 6.20 am departure, the flight took off at 6.40 am but returned by 6.57 am. The aircraft had reached an altitude between 5,000 and 10,000 feet when the crew identified the snag, necessitating an immediate return.GMR authorities told TOI that Air India arranged for an alternative flight for the passengers which reached Phuket at 11.45 am. ‘Safety of flyers our top priority’ Airport officials added that after take-off, the pilots noticed the technical issue at 6.49 am. “The crew elected to return out of an abundance of caution. An alternative aircraft was arranged, and the flight has since departed. We regret the inconvenience caused and reiterate that safety remains our top priority in every aspect of our operations,” said an Air India Express spokesperson.A month ago, a Tirupati-bound flight from Hyderabad had faced a similar situation. On June 19, a SpiceJet aircraft carrying 80 passengers had returned 10 minutes after departure due to intermittent illumination of baggage door light.
