An Air India flight AI357, en route from Tokyo's Haneda Airport to Delhi on June 29, 2025, was diverted to Kolkata due to persistently high cabin temperatures. The flight landed safely in Kolkata, and engineers are currently inspecting the aircraft.
According to an Air India spokesperson, the diversion was a precautionary measure taken to ensure the safety and comfort of all passengers. Ground staff in Kolkata are assisting passengers by providing refreshments and arranging alternative flights to Delhi as quickly as possible. The airline has expressed regret for the inconvenience caused by this unforeseen diversion.
This incident marks the second disruption for Air India in as many days. On June 28, 2025, a Chennai-bound Air India flight returned to Mumbai due to a burning smell detected in the cabin. Prior to that, on June 27, an Air India flight from Mumbai to Bangkok was delayed for approximately five hours after hay was found lodged in one of the aircraft's wings.
These recent events follow a tragic plane crash in Ahmedabad on June 12, where 270 people lost their lives. The series of disruptions has raised concerns about the airline's operational reliability.
In July 2022, an Air India flight from Dubai to Cochin was diverted to Mumbai after a loss in cabin pressure. The Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner, carrying 247 passengers and 11 crew members, landed safely in Mumbai. During the incident, the aircraft was cruising at 37,000 feet, and oxygen masks were deployed. Some passengers experienced nosebleeds due to the depressurization. The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) grounded the aircraft and off-rostered the crew pending an investigation. The pilots initiated an emergency descent, bringing the aircraft down to 10,000 feet.
Air India stated that the matter had been reported to the DGCA and that an alternate aircraft was arranged to transport passengers from Mumbai to Kochi.
These incidents highlight the critical importance of cabin pressure and temperature control systems in aircraft. Air India and aviation authorities are working to address these issues and ensure the safety and well-being of passengers.
