Mumbai (Maharashtra) [India], June 17 (HBTV): Air India’s flight AI2493 from Mumbai to Ahmedabad was cancelled on Monday after operational delays resulted in the expiry of the crew's duty time, sources said.

The flight, which was to be operated by an Airbus A321-211 aircraft (VT-PPL), was initially delayed due to an unspecified operational issue. During this period, the assigned crew exceeded their Flight Duty Time Limitations (FDTL), which mandate the maximum number of hours airline crew members can work, in adherence to safety protocols.

Meanwhile, an Air India Express flight from Delhi to Ranchi was diverted back to Delhi shortly after takeoff on Monday due to a suspected technical issue. The Boeing 737 Max 8 aircraft had been scheduled to land at Ranchi's Birsa Munda Airport at 6:20 PM.

After undergoing inspection and receiving clearance, the aircraft resumed its scheduled operations. ‘One of our flights returned to Delhi after takeoff due to a suspected technical issue. Post inspections and clearance, the aircraft continued scheduled operations. We regret the inconvenience,’ an Air India Express spokesperson said.

Earlier in the day, an Air India flight bound for Delhi was diverted back to Hong Kong mid-air after the pilot reported a suspected technical issue, according to sources.

Flight AI 315, a Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner, had departed from Hong Kong en route to Delhi. According to the flight tracking website Flight Radar 24, the flight was scheduled to arrive in Delhi at 12:20 PM.

Sources confirmed that passengers deboarded safely and the aircraft is currently undergoing a safety inspection.

(ANI)