Air India Flight Returns to Heathrow After Passenger Missing

A Delhi-bound flight operated by Air India returned to London Heathrow on September 21, 2025, shortly after beginning its taxi for takeoff. The aircraft, designated AI 162, was delayed by approximately 45 minutes before it moved onto the taxiway. The return was necessitated when the flight crew discovered that a passenger, who had received a boarding pass, failed to board the aircraft.

According to an official statement from Air India, the passenger had mistakenly gone to the arrivals area instead of proceeding to the departure gate after having their boarding pass scanned. The airline emphasized that the decision to return to the gate was made to adhere to standard security protocols, which require that any passenger missing from the flight must be accounted for before departure.

Incident Details and Security Protocols

As the aircraft was taxiing, crew members realized that one passenger was unaccounted for. This prompted the decision to return to the gate to offload the passenger’s baggage. The spokesperson for Air India stated, “Our flight crew followed the necessary procedures, and the decision to return was made to ensure compliance with security regulations.”

The passenger involved was detained by airport security officials for questioning. While the precise number of passengers on board AI 162 remains unverified, the airline expressed regret over the delay caused by this incident.

The aircraft eventually departed after addressing the situation, although the exact duration of the subsequent delay has not been confirmed. Incidents like these underscore the importance of communication and adherence to boarding procedures to ensure safety and compliance in air travel.

As air travel continues to rebound globally, airlines are keen to maintain strict security measures, reinforcing the significance of passenger accountability.