India, March 21 -- Air India faced yet another operational lapse when a Vancouver-bound flight had to return to Delhi after being airborne for several hours, sources said, because the aircraft deployed did not have the necessary approvals for international operation.

The flight, operated with a Boeing 777-200 LR, was in the air for over seven hours before turning back while crossing Chinese airspace. Officials indicated that the aircraft was not listed for flights to Canada, highlighting a procedural oversight in updating the airline's records and operational clearances. In a statement, Air India reassured passengers: Air India flight AI185, operating from Delhi to Vancouver on 19 March, returned to Delhi due to an operational issue and ...