New Delhi | January 9, 2026

Two Air India flights from India bound for destinations in the United Kingdom were forced to divert on Friday due to adverse weather conditions affecting scheduled operations. One flight, AI131 from Mumbai to London Heathrow, was rerouted to London Gatwick, while another, AI117 from Amritsar to Birmingham, had to land elsewhere after encountering similar challenges.

According to an Air India spokesperson, Flight AI131 encountered poor weather over London, leading to the aircraft initially holding in the air near Heathrow. “The aircraft, initially, had to hold over London Heathrow due to the continuing inclement weather and diverted to Gatwick finally, with the pilot requesting priority landing adhering to standard operating procedures,” the spokesperson said. The flight landed safely at Gatwick, and all passengers were provided assistance.

Similarly, Flight AI117, traveling from Amritsar to Birmingham, was unable to land at its intended destination because of the adverse conditions. “The crew diverted the flight and landed at London seeking permission for priority landing as per procedure,” the spokesperson added. Further updates on the passengers’ onward travel are awaited.

This is not an isolated incident for Air India in recent days. Last week, an Air India Express flight from Delhi to Lucknow was forced to return after multiple unsuccessful landing attempts due to extremely poor visibility. Airport authorities reported that Flight IX-2171 tried to land 17 times at Lucknow Airport but was denied permission by Air Traffic Control as visibility dropped below safe operational minimums.

As a result of the diversion, the airline had to cancel the onward Lucknow-to-Riyadh flight, IX-189, highlighting how adverse weather can create cascading disruptions in flight schedules.

Weather-related diversions are standard operational procedures designed to ensure passenger and crew safety. In all instances, Air India said its teams coordinated closely with air traffic authorities to implement alternate landing plans and provide assistance to passengers.

Passengers traveling to the UK or other international destinations during the winter months are advised to stay updated with airline notifications, as European and North Indian winter weather can affect flight schedules, visibility, and airport operations.

The airline has assured that affected travelers will receive timely updates on onward connections, and contingency arrangements are being made where required.