Air India was forced to recall a Canada-bound flight after mistakenly deploying an unauthorised aircraft type on the route.
Flight AI185 departed from New Delhi to Vancouver on 19 March but turned back mid-flight after authorities realised the airline had sent a Boeing 777-200LR (VT-AEI) instead of the approved Boeing 777-300ER for Canadian operations.
The aircraft had been airborne for around four to five hours and was near Kunming when it was ordered to return. It landed safely back in Delhi after nearly eight hours total flight time.
The airline attributed the incident to an “operational issue” and arranged accommodation and assistance for affected passengers. A replacement flight was later dispatched to complete the journey.
The incident highlights regulatory compliance requirements tied to specific aircraft types, and how operational errors can lead to significant disruptions even mid-flight.
Credits: Air India
