New Delhi: An Air India service bound for San Francisco was forced to return to New Delhi on Wednesday after the aircraft reported a technical problem mid-flight, prompting a turnaround more than eight hours after take-off, according to the airline and flight-tracking data.

The Boeing 777-300ER, operating as Flight AI173 and carrying roughly 230 passengers, had been in the air for over three hours and was traversing Chinese airspace when the crew initiated a diversion back to the Indian capital, flight data from Flightradar24 indicated.

Air India said the aircraft returned to Delhi “in line with standard safety procedures” and landed without incident.

“The aircraft landed safely and will undergo technical inspection in line with Air India's safety standards,” the airline said.

The carrier did not disclose the nature of the technical fault but said it was working to accommodate affected travellers on alternative flights. Passengers were offered support including refreshments, hotel stays and rescheduling options.

Regretting the disruption, Air India said it was prioritising onward arrangements for those booked on the long-haul service.

"In the meantime, our ground teams are providing all necessary assistance to the passengers, including refreshments, hotel accommodation or rescheduling as opted by them," the airline said.

(With PTI inputs)