On July 23, 2025, two separate Air India flight incidents raised alarms within the Indian aviation industry. While no casualties or injuries were reported, both events highlight the growing scrutiny over technical safety issues in India's commercial aviation sector.

Air India Express Flight IX 375 Returns Mid-Air

An Air India Express flight (IX 375) bound for Doha from Calicut International Airport had to return mid-air due to a technical issue. The flight, which took off at 9:07 AM, returned and landed safely at 11:12 AM, carrying 188 individuals, including passengers, pilots, and crew.

According to airport authorities, the aircraft experienced a malfunction in its cabin air conditioning system, prompting the flight crew to initiate a precautionary return. It was not declared an emergency landing, but merely a safety measure in accordance with standard protocols.

An Air India Express spokesperson issued a statement confirming that the airline took immediate action:

“One of our flights returned to Calicut after take-off due to a technical issue. An alternate aircraft was arranged on priority, and refreshments were provided to guests during the delay. The flight has since departed safely.”

All passengers were deboarded without incident. Temporary arrangements for food, refreshments, and waiting facilities were made at the airport terminal, ensuring passenger comfort during the downtime.

A replacement flight was scheduled to depart at around 1:30 PM, as reported by the airline, which also confirmed that the technical issue is under investigation.

Air India AI 315 Flight Catches Fire Post Landing in Delhi

In a separate and more alarming incident, an Air India flight AI 315 operating from Hong Kong to Delhi, experienced a fire in its auxiliary power unit (APU) shortly after landing at Indira Gandhi International Airport on July 22, 2025.

The APU, a secondary engine located near the aircraft’s tail that provides electrical power and climate control when the main engines are off, caught fire as the aircraft parked at the terminal gate.

Air India confirmed that all passengers and crew were safe, and no one was injured:

“The incident occurred after the aircraft had reached the gate and passengers had begun disembarking. The APU shut down automatically as per design protocols, and everyone onboard exited safely.”

The aircraft did, however, sustain damage and was immediately grounded for technical inspection. Regulatory bodies including the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) were notified, and a formal investigation into the fire incident is underway.

Public Reaction and Karan Johar’s Instagram Story

The string of aviation issues sparked concerns on social media, with prominent voices commenting. Karan Johar, a Bollywood filmmaker and producer, posted a cryptic Instagram story reacting to the fire incident.

He shared a screenshot from News18’s alert, which stated, “Air India plane catches fire after landing at Delhi airport. Passengers safe.” His caption read:

"Chalo ji. Passport tijori main rakh lo."
(Translation: “Alright then. Keep your passport locked in a safe.”)

While Karan Johar did not elaborate further, many interpreted the comment as a subtle jab at recent safety lapses in Indian aviation or a broader commentary on travel risks. His post was widely shared across social media platforms, sparking debates about passenger safety and trust in national carriers.

Series of Recent Aviation Incidents in India

The recent events have added to a growing list of aviation-related technical incidents in India, including:

• IndiGo’s emergency PAN-PAN call issued during a Delhi-Goa flight diversion to Mumbai.

• Air India flight from Kochi skidding off the runway in Mumbai, resulting in structural damage to the aircraft.

• An engine oil leakage in a SpiceJet aircraft that prompted an emergency return earlier in July.

Aviation experts have emphasized that while safety protocols were followed and emergency mechanisms functioned properly, the frequency of such technical malfunctions is concerning and merits deeper technical audits.

DGCA and Airline Industry's Response

The DGCA (Directorate General of Civil Aviation) is reportedly looking into the recent spate of incidents, including the Air India APU fire and the Air India Express flight return, to ensure that maintenance standards are up to mark.

Industry analysts have pointed out that fleet expansion, rapid scaling of routes, and aircraft ageing could be potential contributors. With air traffic returning to pre-pandemic levels, airlines are facing maintenance challenges, particularly in low-cost carriers and older aircraft fleets.

The aviation regulator has issued guidelines for increased inspections of aircraft components, especially power units, AC systems, and braking systems, which have featured prominently in recent failures.

Passenger Safety and Operational Readiness

Despite these incidents, it is important to note that in both the Air India Express and AI 315 cases, no passengers were harmed, and evacuation procedures went smoothly.

Aviation professionals argue that such events, though unfortunate, are part of the operational risks associated with a high-volume aviation market like India. However, they stress that early detection, swift decision-making, and technical transparency must be top priorities for airlines to retain passenger confidence.

Looking Ahead

As India’s aviation industry continues its rapid growth, stakeholders are urging the DGCA and airline operators to reinforce technical inspections, improve maintenance schedules, and prioritize investments in newer, more reliable aircraft.

Both Air India Express and Air India have pledged their commitment to passenger safety and are expected to submit detailed reports to the regulatory authorities soon.

With celebrities like Karan Johar chiming in on the debate, the incidents have gone beyond aviation headlines, entering the public discourse on travel safety and infrastructure reliability in India.

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