In a statement, Air India said the delay occurred after one of the cockpit crew members was offloaded prior to departure. Air India added that it regrets the inconvenience caused to passengers and is cooperating fully with local authorities. “Air India regrets the inconvenience caused to its passengers and is fully cooperating with the local authorities. Air India maintains a zero-tolerance policy towards any violation of applicable rules and regulations. According to people familiar with the matter, Air India arranged a replacement pilot quickly, resulting in a delay of about two hours.

Source: The Telegraph January 01, 2026 07:42 UTC