Archive · 19 Sep 2026
Air India Flight Turns Back to Delhi After Technical Issue
An Air India plane was flying from New Delhi to Kathmandu.
The flight number was AI219.
The crew noticed a possible technical problem while the plane was near Lucknow.
The plane turned around before entering Nepal’s airspace.
It landed safely back in Delhi.
Everyone on the plane got off after landing.
Air India arranged another plane to take the passengers to Kathmandu.
The airline did not say how many passengers were on the flight.
Air India flight AI219 from New Delhi to Kathmandu returned to Delhi after the crew detected a suspected technical issue.
The aircraft turned back above Lucknow before entering Nepali airspace.
The A320-214 departed New Delhi at 2:42 p.m. IST and was scheduled to reach Kathmandu at 4:30 p.m. NPT on September 19.
Air India said the aircraft landed safely in Delhi and all passengers and crew disembarked.
The airline arranged another aircraft to take passengers to Kathmandu, but it did not disclose the passenger count.
- Who
- Air India flight AI219, its passengers and crew, and officials at Tribhuvan International Airport.
- What
- A flight from New Delhi to Kathmandu turned back to Delhi after reporting a suspected technical issue.
- When
- September 19; the flight departed at 2:42 p.m. IST and was scheduled to arrive at 4:30 p.m. NPT.
- Where
- The aircraft turned back above Lucknow and landed in Delhi before entering Nepali airspace.
- Why
- The crew detected a suspected technical problem, which Air India said prompted the return under standard operating procedure.
Airport and Initial Official Account
Air India’s Account
Nature of the problem
Airport and Initial Official Account
A Tribhuvan International Airport official said the aircraft reported technical issues, but the details had not yet been confirmed or briefed.
Air India’s Account
Air India described the issue as a suspected technical problem detected by the crew and said the return followed standard operating procedure.
Passenger information and onward travel
Airport and Initial Official Account
The initial airport account said passenger details were not yet known, while Tribhuvan International Airport had not issued a formal statement.
Air India’s Account
Air India said all passengers and crew disembarked safely in Delhi and that another aircraft was arranged to take passengers to Kathmandu; it did not disclose the passenger count.
- Flight
- Air India AI219
- Route
- New Delhi to Kathmandu
- Aircraft
- A320-214
- Departure
- 2:42 p.m. IST from New Delhi
- Scheduled arrival
- 4:30 p.m. NPT in Kathmandu
- Diversion point
- Airspace above Lucknow
- Outcome
- The aircraft landed safely in Delhi, and passengers and crew disembarked
- Passenger transfer
- Air India arranged another aircraft for the passengers
