What Happened to the Phuket-bound Air India Express Flight?

Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- The flight IX110 returned to Hyderabad due to a technical issue.
- Passengers experienced a frustrating lack of communication.
- Air India Express emphasized safety as their top priority.
- Alternative arrangements were made swiftly for affected passengers.
- The incident highlights the importance of transparency in airline operations.
New Delhi, July 19 (NationPress) An Air India Express flight destined for Phuket made an unexpected return to Rajiv Gandhi International Airport in Hyderabad shortly after its departure on Saturday due to a technical issue. The flight was slated to arrive in Phuket at 11:45 am.
Flight IX110, operated by a Boeing 737 Max 8, was airborne for merely 16 minutes before returning to Hyderabad, leaving passengers feeling quite frustrated.
An Air India Express representative stated, "Following takeoff, the crew exercised caution and opted to return to Hyderabad due to a technical concern."
The spokesperson continued, "We arranged for an alternative aircraft promptly, provided refreshments to our guests during the delay, and the flight has since taken off again. We apologize for the inconvenience and want to emphasize that passenger safety is our utmost priority in all operations."
Passengers took to social media to express their dissatisfaction, noting the lack of communication from the airline while they waited inside the aircraft.
A frustrated traveler tweeted: "@DGCAIndia @AirIndiaX flight IX110 returning to Hyderabad from Phuket. Still no updates—we're stuck on the plane. Very frustrating!"
Another user remarked: "Thanks @AirIndiaX for making me vow to never fly with you again... after a disorganized re-security check and being redirected."
In an earlier statement on social media, the airline expressed remorse for the disruption, noting, "The delay was due to technical reasons, as ensuring our guests' safety is our top priority. We're currently working on resolving the issue and will keep you updated on the departure time. We sincerely apologize once again and look forward to providing you with a better experience in the future."