Air India Vijayawada–Visakhapatnam Flight Cancelled After Technical Snag at Airport

An Air India flight scheduled to operate from Vijayawada to Visakhapatnam was cancelled on Thursday evening after a technical snag was detected while the aircraft was taxiing at Gannavaram Airport, officials confirmed. The incident prompted the aircraft to return to the bay as a precautionary safety measure.

The cancelled flight had several prominent passengers on board, including former Vice President M Venkaiah Naidu, Andhra Pradesh Agriculture Minister K Atchennaidu, and senior YSR Congress Party leader B Satyanarayana. All passengers were reported safe, and no injuries were recorded.

According to Vijayawada Airport Director Lakshmikanth Reddy, the technical issue surfaced around 8.30 pm during taxiing. “While taxiing, some engine-related issues were detected, following which the aircraft returned to the bay and the flight was cancelled,” he told news agency PTI.

Air India later issued an official statement confirming that the issue was identified before take-off. “In the interest of safety, our Vijayawada–Visakhapatnam flight returned to the ramp after the pilot identified a technical issue prior to departure. The flight was subsequently cancelled,” the airline spokesperson said.

Emphasising its safety-first approach, Air India stated that all affected passengers were provided with hotel accommodation and given multiple options to minimise inconvenience. These included a full refund of the ticket amount or complimentary rescheduling on alternative flights.

“We regret the inconvenience caused to our guests and reiterate that safety remains paramount across all aspects of our operations,” the spokesperson added.

The cancellation led to brief disruptions at the airport, with ground staff assisting passengers in disembarking and coordinating onward arrangements. Airport authorities ensured that normal operations were restored shortly after the aircraft was moved back to the bay.

Incidents involving technical snags during taxiing are generally treated with heightened caution, as aviation protocols require immediate inspection before clearance for departure. Experts note that early detection of issues significantly reduces safety risks and reflects adherence to strict operational standards.

The incident comes amid increased scrutiny of airline safety procedures, particularly as passenger traffic rises during peak travel periods. Aviation authorities continue to stress that flight cancellations due to technical reasons, though inconvenient, are essential for maintaining safety standards.

Air India has not disclosed further technical details of the issue but confirmed that the aircraft will undergo a detailed inspection before being cleared for future operations.