August 5,2025: An Air India Express flight (IX2718) operating from Bengaluru to Kolkata was forced to return to Kempegowda International Airport (KIA) on Sunday night after a suspected hydraulic failure mid-flight. The aircraft had been airborne for over two hours before it made a safe landing back in Bengaluru. All passengers and crew onboard were reported safe.
The flight, which departed from Bengaluru around 8:00 PM, was scheduled to arrive in Kolkata later that night. However, midway through the journey, the cockpit crew detected a possible hydraulic system issue. Following standard safety protocols, the pilots decided to return to the origin airport. The aircraft landed safely at approximately 10:30 PM.
In a statement released by Air India Express, the airline confirmed that the flight returned to Bengaluru due to “a technical snag related to the hydraulic system.” The airline added that all passengers were deboarded safely and were provided refreshments while alternate travel arrangements were made.
“Safety of our passengers and crew is our utmost priority. Our operating crew handled the situation with professionalism, and we regret the inconvenience caused to our guests,” the statement read.
Hydraulic systems are a vital component of aircraft functionality, enabling operation of crucial elements such as brakes, landing gear, and flight control surfaces. Any malfunction, even minor, is treated seriously as per global aviation standards.
Eyewitnesses at the airport and several passengers shared their experiences on social media, praising the crew’s calm response. However, some also expressed concern over delayed communication regarding the flight status. “We were in the air for over two hours, only to be told we were returning. It was tense but handled well,” one passenger posted on X (formerly Twitter).
Emergency response teams were deployed at KIA as a precautionary measure but were not required as the landing occurred without incident. The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) is expected to look into the technical issue as per standard regulatory procedures.
The incident comes at a time when several Indian airlines have reported technical snags in recent months, prompting discussions around aircraft maintenance and inspection practices. Aviation analysts note that while such issues are not uncommon, prompt response and adherence to safety protocols—as seen in this case—are essential to ensuring passenger safety.
As of Monday morning, replacement flights were arranged for affected passengers, and maintenance teams were conducting a full inspection of the aircraft involved.
