In the second such incident within 48 hours, an Air India flight from Tokyo to Delhi was diverted to Kolkata on Sunday after passengers and crew experienced uncomfortably high cabin temperatures, the airline confirmed.
The affected flight, AI357, operated by a Boeing 787 Dreamliner, departed from Haneda Airport in Tokyo but was rerouted mid-journey as a precautionary measure. Air India stated that the aircraft landed safely in Kolkata and is currently undergoing technical inspections.
“Flight AI357 from Haneda to Delhi on June 29, 2025, was diverted to Kolkata due to persistent warm cabin conditions. The aircraft landed without incident and is being examined,” said an airline spokesperson.
Air India also noted that passengers were being assisted by ground staff in Kolkata and that alternate travel arrangements to Delhi were in progress.
“We apologise for the inconvenience and are ensuring our guests receive all necessary support,” the spokesperson added.
This incident follows a similar issue a day earlier, when Flight AI639 from Mumbai to Chennai returned to Mumbai mid-air due to a burning smell detected in the cabin. That event occurred on Friday, June 27.
According to Air India, the aircraft returned safely, and a replacement flight was arranged to continue the journey to Chennai.
“The crew of AI639 took precautionary action after detecting a burning smell. Our ground team in Mumbai supported passengers to minimise any disruption,” the airline stated.
These consecutive technical issues have raised renewed concerns about aircraft maintenance and passenger safety, especially as Air India continues a major overhaul of its fleet and services under the ownership of the Tata Group.
The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) is expected to request detailed reports on both occurrences as part of its routine safety oversight.