London-Bound Air India Flight Diverted to Mumbai After Mid-Air Technical Glitch, Loud Noise Reported

New Delhi: An Air India flight operating from New Delhi to London was diverted to Mumbai after a technical issue was reported mid-air.

The aircraft, an A350 (VT-JRF) operating as flight AI111, changed course while flying over Oman and remained in Oman airspace at the time of diversion, having not yet landed in Mumbai according to the flight tracking data. 

Loud Grinding Noise Triggers Diversion

Reports indicate that a loud grinding or thumping noise was heard from the aft section of the aircraft, which typically refers to the rear portion near the cargo hold.

The noise was reportedly so intense that it affected cockpit communication, prompting the pilot to take a precautionary measures.

The diversion was initiated approximately 30–40 minutes after the issue was detected, and the aircraft is expected to land in Mumbai around 11:30.

Second Air India Diversion in Two Days

The incident comes a day after another Air India flight from Bengaluru to London (AI133) was diverted mid-air to Jeddah on March 23 following a suspected technical issue.

The airline had then stated that the aircraft landed safely and all passengers and crew were unharmed.

Air India had described the earlier diversion as a precautionary step taken out of “an abundance of caution,” with the aircraft undergoing detailed technical checks.

The airline had also said it was coordinating with airport authorities to ensure assistance for passengers, reiterating that safety remains its top priority.