Air India flight AI357, a Boeing 787 Dreamliner (registration VT‑ANI) en route from Tokyo’s Haneda Airport to New Delhi, was unexpectedly diverted to Kolkata on Sunday afternoon as a precautionary measure after crew and passengers reported persistent warmth within the cabin .
Flight Timeline & Details
- Origin: Haneda Airport, Tokyo
- Scheduled Destination: Indira Gandhi International Airport, New Delhi
- Departure Time: 12:31 pm (local)
- Issue Reported: Ongoing failure of the aircraft’s air-conditioning system, making the cabin “uncomfortably hot”
- Diversion: Precautionary landing at Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose International Airport, Kolkata
- Arrival: 3:33 pm (local)
- Outcome: Safe landing with no injuries; aircraft grounded for technical inspection
Passenger Care & Alternate Arrangements
Air India confirmed that its ground staff in Kolkata promptly assisted passengers and offered refreshments. Alternative flights to Delhi were arranged at the earliest opportunity. Meanwhile, the affected Dreamliner is undergoing comprehensive technical checks .
Context: Series of Disruptions at Air India
This diversion follows a string of recent incidents:
- On 27 June, flight AI639 (Mumbai to Chennai) returned to origin after a burning smell was detected aboard .
- Other technical or security-related events have added to the airline’s operational scrutiny .
- Industry concerns are mounting, particularly in the wake of the tragic Ahmedabad crash on 12 June that claimed approximately 260 lives .
DGCA Oversight & Industry Response
The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) is expected to demand detailed reports on all recent Air India incidents. Under Tata Group ownership, Air India has been working to revamp its fleet and standards, with heightened focus from regulators following high-profile setbacks including technical faults and safety lapses .
Airline Statement
A spokesperson from Air India remarked:
“Air India flight AI357 (Haneda–Delhi on 29 June 2025) made a precautionary diversion to Kolkata due to persistent warm temperature experienced in the cabin. The aircraft landed safely… ground staff are providing all necessary support and alternative arrangements are being made… We regret the inconvenience caused to our passengers.”
Key Takeaways
Concern | Detail |
Safety First | Diversion triggered by cabin environment issue, not mechanical failure |
Regulatory Attention | DGCA likely to probe repeated incidents |
Operational Impact | Disruptions stress-test Air India’s turnaround efforts and safety protocols |
Final Outlook
Air India emphasizes that passenger safety and comfort remain its top priority. However, with multiple incidents in recent weeks—including the tragic Ahmedabad crash and several in-flight technical anomalies—the airline is under rising scrutiny. The DGCA’s forthcoming actions and the results of technical inspections will be crucial in assessing whether Air India has addressed systemic issues and reinforced trust among passengers.