An Air India flight from Tezpur to Kolkata via Silchar was delayed after it encountered a technical problem during take off at Tezpur's Salanibari Airport this morning.
Air India officials said that after taxing on the runway, the aircraft experienced some problem during take-off and the flight was delayed for one and half hours at Tezpur airport.
After the problem was rectified at 10.15 AM, the flight took off safely with the passengers on board, Air India officials said.
(REOPENS DES 32)
Air India in the statement said that its flight AI 701, operated by Boeing B787, scheduled to depart at 5.30 pm on March 20, was taxiing out when a technical snag was detected.
Engineers started repairs and finally after several attempts to operate the flight at 10.10pm, the aircraft was grounded and the flight was cancelled, it said.
It also said that all passengers were given an option for hotel accommodation and food while some passengers opted for hotel stay option, others especially from Kolkata, went back home and for them transport reimbursement was made.
Air India is continuously taking steps to minimize such incidents, it said adding, however, Air India is still often faced with teething technical glitches in Dreamliner aircraft.
The same is being addressed with the manufacturer M/s Boeing on a regular basis, it added.
"Air India deeply regrets the inconvenience caused to its passengers. It, however, gives highest priority to safety and shall continue to take steps to minimize such incidences," the statement added.
