An Air India Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner, operating flight AI315 from Hong Kong to Delhi, was forced to return to Hong Kong International Airport after the pilot reported a suspected technical fault while flying over the South China Sea. The aircraft, which had taken off earlier that morning, was seen performing a holding pattern before successfully landing.
This incident comes shortly after the tragic crash of another Air India 787-8 in Ahmedabad on June 12, which resulted in the loss of 270 lives. In response to this disaster, India’s Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) ordered thorough safety inspections of all Dreamliner models in the national fleet, including both the 787-8 and 787-9, starting from midnight on June 15.
Preliminary reports indicate that the crew of AI315 followed international aviation safety protocols by opting to return to Hong Kong rather than continuing the flight with a potential technical issue. The exact nature of the suspected fault has yet to be confirmed, but Air India has acknowledged the incident and is cooperating with local aviation authorities in their investigation.
Aviation experts are warning that this latest incident could heighten scrutiny on Boeing’s 787 series, especially amid ongoing concerns over quality control. In 2021, a whistleblower from Boeing, Sam Salehpour, alleged that defective structural components in some aircraft had not been adequately addressed, raising serious questions about the long-term integrity of the airframe.
Fortunately, no injuries were reported aboard flight AI315, and the aircraft landed without further complications. However, this event has undoubtedly shaken passenger confidence in the 787 fleet. As investigations and internal safety evaluations continue, Air India has not yet announced if any additional aircraft will be grounded for inspections.
