New Delhi, 21 March 2026 – An Air India flight bound for Vancouver, Canada was diverted back to Delhi after it was detected mid-air that the aircraft lacked the required Canadian airspace clearance.

According to NDTV, flight AI185, a Boeing 777-200LR, departed from Delhi at 11:34 AM and was flying over Chinese airspace near Kunming when the issue was discovered. The aircraft spent approximately four hours in the air before the diversion decision was made.

Flight Diversion Details

Air India officials stated that the Boeing 777-200LR was not authorized for flights into Canadian airspace. Currently, only Boeing 777-300ER aircraft have clearance to operate this route.

Following the discovery, the flight was safely returned to Delhi, landing after a total journey of 7 hours and 54 minutes. All passengers and crew disembarked safely without incident.

Air India Response and Passenger Assistance

Air India described the incident as an “operational issue” handled in accordance with standard procedures. The airline apologized for the inconvenience and provided affected passengers with hotel accommodation and assistance.

A replacement flight was arranged, departing the following day with all passengers on board.

Operational and Cost Implications

A Boeing 777 typically consumes 8–9 tons of fuel per hour. This mid-air diversion is expected to result in significant additional operational costs for the airline. Aviation analysts noted that such incidents highlight the importance of proper flight clearances and regulatory compliance in international air travel.