'We don't want to continue': Air India pilot returns flight to Hong Kong

The aircraft was a Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner, the same as the one involved in the brutal crash that killed 241 people out of 242 on board in Ahmedabad

Air India’s Hong Kong-Delhi flight AI 315 returned to Hong Kong International Airport on Monday morning after nearly 90 minutes of take-off, as the pilots did not want to continue the journey due to a technical glitch detected in the aircraft. "We don't want to continue further," the pilots can be heard telling the Hong Kong Air Traffic Control.

 

The aircraft was a Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner, the same as the one involved in the devastating crash that killed 241 people out of 242 on board in Ahmedabad on Thursday, June 12. 

   

A user has posted a video on X in which the pilots of flight AI 315 are heard telling the Air Traffic Control that they don’t want to continue the journey due to a technical glitch. 

???????? ???????? ???? ???? ????????  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

— Aaron Busch (@tripperhead) June 16, 2025

 

The pilot said: “Due to technical reasons, we would like to stay closer to Hong Kong. Maybe, we will come back and land in Hong Kong once we sort out the problem. We don't want to continue further.” 

????????????????????????????????  Air India 315 requested to stay closer to Hong Kong citing technical reasons before deciding to return to HKIA.  "We don't want to continue further".  ???? via https://t.co/E8ftHE3i9y  ????️ via @flightradar24 https://t.co/XJjqSO9Lll pic.twitter.com/qWq3iXuVRW

— Aaron Busch (@tripperhead) June 16, 2025

 

Data from online tracker Flightradar24 showed that the flight took off at around 9:30 AM (IST) before circling back to the airport within 90 minutes.

 

Air India earlier said in a statement: “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 at Hong Kong and is undergoing checks as a matter of abundant precaution.” 

 

It further stated that the airline is arranging alternative travel options for the passengers.

 

“Alternative arrangements have been planned to fly the passengers to their destination Delhi at the earliest. We are providing all necessary on-ground assistance to the passengers to minimise the inconvenience caused by this unforeseen disruption,” it added.