Air India Express Flight Returns After Smoke Scare

An Air India Express flight bound for Muscat returned to Thiruvananthapuram Airport due to suspected smoke. Passengers were offloaded for inspection. An alternative aircraft was arranged for their onward journey. An investigation will determine the cause of the issue, with safety being prioritized.

An Air India Express flight en route to Muscat made a swift return to the bay at Thiruvananthapuram Airport after suspected smoke was spotted during take-off on Friday morning, according to sources from the airline and airport.

The incident, which occurred around 10:30 am, involved a total of 142 passengers who were subsequently offloaded for a thorough inspection, as reported by an airport official.

An Air India Express spokesperson assured that an alternative aircraft has been provisioned to continue the passengers' journey. He affirmed that an investigation will be conducted to ascertain the precise cause of the issue, emphasizing a commitment to safety.

(With inputs from agencies.)