KERALA, India, July 23:  An Air India Express flight (IX375) operating from Kozhikode, Kerala, to Doha returned to its departure airport on Wednesday shortly after takeoff due to a technical issue. The Boeing 737-86N aircraft departed Calicut International Airport at 9:17 a.m. and landed safely back at 11:12 a.m.

A spokesperson for the airline confirmed that the aircraft returned due to a technical malfunction. An alternative aircraft was arranged to accommodate the affected passengers, who were provided with refreshments during the delay. The rescheduled flight has since departed.

This incident follows another occurrence on Tuesday involving an Air India flight (AI 315) from Hong Kong to Delhi. Upon landing at Indira Gandhi International Airport, the aircraft experienced a fire in its auxiliary power unit (APU), a small engine typically located in the tail section that provides power when the main engines are off.

The APU fire broke out just as passengers began disembarking. According to the airline, the system responded automatically, shutting down the APU as designed. All passengers and crew exited safely, and no injuries were reported. The aircraft sustained some damage and remains grounded pending further investigation. The incident has been reported to the aviation regulator.