New Delhi, July 23 - On the morning of July 19, 2025, Air India Express Flight IX110, a Boeing 737 Max 8 (registration VT-BWA), departed Hyderabad’s Rajiv Gandhi International Airport at 6:40 AM, bound for Phuket, Thailand. The flight, carrying 98 passengers and crew, was scheduled to land at its destination at 11:45 AM local time, approximately 20 minutes behind its planned departure of 6:20 AM. However, just 16 minutes after takeoff, the aircraft encountered a technical issue, prompting the crew to make the critical decision to return to Hyderabad. The plane, which had reached an altitude of between 5,000 and 10,000 feet, safely landed back at the airport by 6:57 AM, ensuring no injuries or incidents during the process.
.gif)
The precise nature of the technical malfunction that necessitated the emergency return has not been publicly disclosed by Air India Express or airport authorities. According to a statement from an airline spokesperson, the crew acted out of an abundance of caution, prioritizing passenger safety above all else. This swift action underscores the rigorous safety protocols in place within the aviation industry, particularly in light of heightened scrutiny following recent incidents in the Indian aviation sector. The decision to turn back was made shortly after the issue was detected, reflecting the crew’s commitment to mitigating any potential risks.
Upon landing, passengers remained on board for a period while awaiting further instructions. Air India Express responded promptly to the disruption by arranging an alternative aircraft to ensure passengers could continue their journey to Phuket. The replacement flight departed Hyderabad at 1:26 PM on the same day, significantly later than the original schedule, but successfully reached its destination. To address passenger inconvenience during the delay, the airline provided refreshments, emphasizing their commitment to customer care despite the unforeseen circumstances. This incident occurred against the backdrop of increased vigilance in India’s aviation industry, following a series of technical issues reported across various airlines.
Just days earlier, an IndiGo flight from Delhi to Imphal had to return to its origin due to a similar technical snag, and a catastrophic Air India crash in Ahmedabad on June 12, 2025, which claimed 270 lives, had intensified regulatory oversight. The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has since issued stringent guidelines to ensure flight safety, and Air India Express’s decision to return Flight IX110 aligns with these heightened safety standards. The safe return of Flight IX110 highlights the effectiveness of proactive safety measures and the importance of crew training in handling unexpected challenges. While the delay caused inconvenience, the airline’s focus on safety and its efforts to minimize disruption through alternative arrangements demonstrate a commitment to passenger welfare. Air India Express reiterated that safety remains the top priority in every aspect of its operations, a stance that guided their response to this incident. The event serves as a reminder of the complexities of air travel and the critical role of preparedness in ensuring safe outcomes.