Jammu-Bound Air India Express Flight Returns To Delhi Due To Technical Issues

A Jammu-bound Air India Express flight had to come back to Delhi shortly after takeoff due to GPS interference. The incident, involving flight IX2564, was reported on Sunday.

“Our Delhi–Jammu flight returned to Delhi as a precautionary measure following a suspected GPS interference incident. Subsequently, an alternative flight was organised to connect guests to Jammu,” an Air India Express spokesperson was quoted as saying by news agency PTI.

Despite clear weather and runway conditions, the pilot reportedly struggled to locate a suitable landing area.

The flight was originally scheduled to land in Jammu around noon and then proceed to Srinagar. However, officials stated the pilot hovered over Jammu airport for a period before deciding to return to Delhi without landing.

Air India Express offered refunds to passengers who chose to cancel their flights. The airline also arranged alternative flights to Delhi for affected passengers.

“We regret the inconvenience caused. Instances of GPS signal interference have been reported by operators while flying over certain sensitive regions,” the spokesperson said.

Notably, Air India is also facing a public interest litigation regarding the June 12 Ahmedabad air crash that killed around 270 people, which was lodged with the Supreme Court.

The petition calls for the swift suspension of Air India's Boeing aircraft fleet within two weeks, pending a thorough and independent security and safety audit.

Filed by Supreme Court advocate Ajay Bansal, who recently experienced an Air India international flight himself, the PIL urges the central government, Air India, the Directorate General of Civil Aviation and the Bureau of Civil Aviation Security to implement more stringent regulatory oversight to prevent future tragedies.

(With inputs from PTI)