Flight AI315, a Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner, returns to Hong Kong mid-air due to suspected technical issue; incident comes days after India’s deadliest air crash involving the same aircraft model.
Hong Kong/New Delhi, June 17, 2025:
An Air India Dreamliner AI315, bound for Delhi from Hong Kong, made a precautionary mid-air U-turn on Monday after the pilot suspected a technical issue shortly after takeoff. The aircraft had reached an altitude of 22,000 feet before descending and returning to Hong Kong International Airport, where it landed safely at approximately 1:15 pm local time.
An audio recording from LiveATC.net, which monitors global air traffic communications, revealed the calm but clear intent of the Air India captain, who told Air Traffic Control (ATC):
“For technical reasons, sir, we would like to stay closer to Hong Kong… maybe we will come back to Hong Kong and sort out the problem.”
“We don’t want to continue further,” the pilot added, declining to proceed with the nearly six-hour flight to Delhi.
According to AirNav Radar, flight AI315 took off at 12:20 pm, climbed to cruising altitude, and then began a steady descent before executing the U-turn.
🇮🇳 🇭🇰 🛫 🛬 🇭🇰
— Aaron Busch (@tripperhead) June 16, 2025
Air India 315 from Hong Kong to Delhi diverted back to Hong Kong after takeoff on Monday.
The plane departed 3hrs and 26 minutes delayed, then returned to Hong Kong roughly an hour after takeoff. The flight was on a 7 year old Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner. pic.twitter.com/kTNvlcfMFV
Also Read: Filmmaker Missing In Ahmedabad Plane Crash Mystery — If Not on Board, Where Is He?!
In an official statement, Air India confirmed:
“AI315 operating from Hong Kong to Delhi on 16 June 2025 air-returned to Hong Kong shortly after take-off due to a technical issue. The flight landed safely and is undergoing checks as a matter of abundant precaution.”
The airline assured that alternative arrangements are being made to transport the stranded passengers to Delhi at the earliest. Ground assistance and care were also provided to minimize disruption.
The incident has heightened public concern, as it comes just days after the tragic crash of AI-171, a Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner en route from Ahmedabad to London, which crashed into the BJ Medical College hostel, killing 274 people, including 241 of the 242 people onboard.
India’s Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has since launched a comprehensive probe into the Ahmedabad crash, with an expert panel examining technical faults, maintenance protocols, and crew actions. Aviation safety officials are now expected to review any potential systemic issues in the 787 Dreamliner fleet operated by Air India.
While no injuries or damage were reported in the Hong Kong incident, experts say the quick decision by the crew to return reflects a heightened level of caution within the airline following recent events.
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Air India AI315, Delhi-bound Air India flight, Hong Kong emergency landing, Dreamliner technical issue, pilot ATC audio, AI-171 crash, Boeing 787-8 safety, Air India incident June 2025, Air India passenger update, aviation safety India