Air India has alerted passengers about flight delays due to a temporary third-party network issue affecting check-in systems. The airline has restored services but advised flyers to check flight status and allow extra time for travel.
Air India on Wednesday issued an alert to its passengers after a temporary third-party connectivity network issue disrupted check-in systems at several airports across India, causing flight delays.
In an official statement, the Tata Group-owned carrier said that the connectivity issue has now been resolved and systems have been restored. However, the airline cautioned that some delays may continue as operations gradually return to normal.
“Passengers flying with us today may check their flight status on https://airindia.com/in/en/manage/flight-status.html before heading to the airport and allow extra time for their journey,” Air India said in a public advisory.
According to sources, the temporary glitch in the network system affected check-in and boarding processes at multiple airports, leading to queues and inconvenience for passengers during the morning and afternoon flight schedules.
Although the issue did not impact flight safety or air traffic management, the delay created a cascading effect on connecting flights. Air India’s technical team, along with the third-party service provider, worked swiftly to restore the system.
“Normal operations are now being progressively restored,” the airline confirmed, thanking passengers for their patience and cooperation.
Relief Flight for Diverted San Francisco–Delhi Passengers
Meanwhile, Air India also issued an update regarding the San Francisco–Delhi flight (AI174), which was diverted to Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia on November 2 after the flight crew detected a suspected technical issue mid-route.
The airline said that the flight, operating via Kolkata, made a precautionary landing at Ulaanbaatar to ensure passenger safety. No injuries were reported, and the aircraft landed safely.
“At Air India, the safety and wellbeing of our passengers and crew remain our top priority,” said an Air India spokesperson.
In coordination with local authorities and the Indian Embassy in Mongolia, the airline arranged hotel accommodations and meals for all passengers and crew. Air India also deployed a relief aircraft to ferry the stranded passengers to Delhi.
“Guests have been kept informed about the arrangements being made to fly them to Delhi. We appreciate their understanding and cooperation during this unforeseen situation,” the spokesperson added.
The diverted aircraft is undergoing technical checks before being cleared for further operations.
DGCA Grants Temporary Extension for Air India Flights
In another development, the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) recently approved a temporary extension of flight duty limits for Air India’s two-pilot Boeing 787 Dreamliner operations on European routes.
The extension was sought by the airline following the closure of Pakistan’s airspace, which has forced Air India’s flights to take longer routes over the Arabian Sea and Central Asia, extending flight times by over an hour in some cases.
Under the revised limits, the Flight Duty Time Limitation (FDTL) has been extended to 10 hours and 30 minutes from 10 hours, while the Flight Duty Period (FDP) has been increased to 14 hours from 13.
The DGCA clarified that the decision was made for specific operational reasons and only applies to certain European routes where alternative air paths are necessary due to the ongoing geopolitical restrictions.
Industry experts note that these adjustments are temporary measures to maintain schedule integrity and minimize disruptions for international passengers, as airlines navigate challenges posed by airspace closures and technical contingencies.
Restoration and Passenger Advisory
As Air India works to stabilize operations after the network disruption and technical diversions, the airline urged passengers to stay informed through official channels.
“Passengers are advised to monitor real-time updates and arrive at the airport well in advance of departure times,” the airline emphasized.
Despite the temporary hurdles, aviation analysts say that Air India’s swift communication and response highlight the airline’s commitment to passenger safety, operational transparency, and reliability amid growing international traffic and infrastructural demands.
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The latest incidents underscore the complex challenges airlines face in maintaining punctuality and safety in a global aviation network impacted by technological dependencies, geopolitical factors, and airspace constraints.
With the restoration of its systems and support from aviation authorities, Air India said it expects full normalcy in flight schedules soon.
