Air India Express Flight Grounded: Technical Snag Causes Safety Concerns

A Visakhapatnam-bound Air India Express flight was cancelled at Gannavaram Airport due to an engine problem detected before take-off. Notable passengers included M Venkaiah Naidu and K Atchennaidu. The airline offered hotel accommodation and refunds, emphasizing safety as a priority.

An Air India Express flight, en route to Visakhapatnam, was grounded at Gannavaram Airport on December 18 due to a technical snag discovered prior to take-off, according to airport officials.

The flight, which hosted high-profile passengers such as former vice president M Venkaiah Naidu and Andhra Pradesh Agriculture Minister K Atchennaidu, encountered an engine issue while taxiing, prompting a return to the bay and subsequent cancellation, confirmed airport director Lakshmikanth Reddy late Thursday.

Responding to the incident, an Air India Express spokesperson stated the aircraft returned to the ramp for safety reasons once the pilot identified the engine problem. The airline assured that passengers were given hotel accommodation and options for refunds or rescheduling, while expressing regret over any inconvenience caused.