An Air India Delhi-bound flight (AI 162) returned to the London Heathrow Airport gate on Sunday after a boarding error was discovered during taxiing for takeoff.

Passenger Mistakenly Misses Departure Gate

According to officials, the passenger had been issued a boarding pass, which was scanned at the gate and marked as boarded. However, instead of proceeding to the departure gate, the passenger mistakenly went towards the arrivals area and never entered the aircraft.

Air India’s Official Statement

An Air India spokesperson confirmed the incident:

• The AI 162 London–Delhi flight had already been delayed by 45 minutes before taxiing.

• Shortly after pushback, the crew learned the passenger was missing.

• Following security protocols, the aircraft returned to the gate to offload the passenger’s baggage.

• The passenger was detained by airport security for questioning.

“Our crew followed standard safety procedures. The decision to return was taken to ensure compliance with international aviation security regulations. We regret the inconvenience and delay caused to passengers,” the spokesperson said.

Flight Delay and Security Measures

The offloading process caused a further delay in departure, but the flight later resumed its journey to Delhi after completing required security checks.

Authorities did not disclose the exact number of passengers onboard, but confirmed that all security protocols were followed strictly.

Key Highlights

• Flight AI 162: London Heathrow to Delhi.

• Incident: Passenger failed to board after scanning boarding pass.

• Action Taken: Aircraft returned, baggage offloaded, passenger detained.

• Delay: Initial 45 minutes + additional delay due to security procedures.

• Reason: Passenger mistakenly went to arrivals area instead of departure gate.