In yet another mid-air scare, an Air India flight bound for Chennai was forced to return to Mumbai on Saturday after a burning smell was detected inside the cabin, raising fresh concerns about the increasing frequency of in-flight technical issues.
According to an official statement from the airline, Flight AI 639, which departed from Mumbai on Friday, June 27, made a precautionary air turnback shortly after takeoff due to the unusual odour.
“The aircraft landed safely back in Mumbai,” the statement confirmed, adding that a replacement aircraft was arranged to resume the journey to Chennai.
While Air India did not elaborate on the nature or source of the smell, the term “precautionary” suggests a decision made with an abundance of caution — and rightly so, given recent incidents.
The airline further stated that its ground teams in Mumbai ensured passengers were provided all necessary assistance, including refreshments and rebooking support, to reduce the inconvenience caused by the unexpected delay.
A Worrying Pattern?
This incident, while resolved without injury, is the latest in a growing string of technical snags reported across various Indian carriers in recent months.
Burning smells, engine malfunctions, pressurization issues, and hydraulic failures have all figured in recent aviation headlines, prompting a wave of concern from passengers and aviation observers alike.
Why are such technical glitches occurring in rapid succession? Is it merely a coincidence, or does it point to deeper concerns around aircraft maintenance, ageing fleets, or operational pressure?
As India’s aviation sector continues to expand rapidly, questions are being raised about whether safety protocols and maintenance schedules are keeping pace with growing demand.
With older aircraft still in circulation and high utilization rates, the need for rigorous checks, updated technology, and transparent incident reporting has never been more urgent.
Though the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) routinely investigates such cases and mandates corrective actions, the recurring nature of these technical issues suggests a pattern that warrants serious introspection.
While Air India managed to handle this disruption professionally and without harm, passengers and regulators will be hoping this doesn’t become the new normal. Are Indian skies witnessing a maintenance crisis in the making? Only time and accountability will tell.