Sources said the aircraft used for the service was not approved for operating flights to Canada, leading to the mid-air return. ADVERTISEMENTAn apparent lapse in updating the list of requirements for operating flights to Canada resulted in the deployment of the wrong aircraft, sources added. They noted that the service was required to be operated using a Boeing 777-300 ER, for which approvals were in place. "Air India flight AI185, operating from Delhi to Vancouver on 19 March, returned to Delhi due to an operational issue and in line with established standard operating procedures. Air India said the affected passengers were accommodated on a rescheduled flight, which departed for Vancouver on Friday morning.

Source: The Telegraph March 21, 2026 07:44 UTC