An Air India Express flight bound for Phuket had to return to Hyderabad just 17 minutes after take-off on Saturday morning (July 19, 2025) due to a technical issue. The Boeing 737 MAX 8 aircraft, operating as flight IX 110, departed from Rajiv Gandhi International Airport (RGIA) at 6:40 a.m. and climbed to an altitude of over 10,000 feet before initiating its descent.

Flight tracking data from FlightRadar24 showed the plane was airborne for a short duration before it began a controlled return to base. The aircraft landed safely back in Hyderabad at 6:57 a.m., and no injuries were reported.

Airport officials confirmed the pilot took swift action upon detecting the anomaly, ensuring passenger safety. Engineers began inspecting the aircraft immediately after it landed. Meanwhile, Air India Express has yet to release an official statement regarding the cause of the snag or rescheduling of the flight.

The incident underscores the importance of safety protocols and real-time monitoring systems that enable prompt mid-air decisions.