A London-bound Virgin Atlantic flight carrying around 270 passengers returned to Bengaluru airport on Sunday after developing a technical glitch shortly after take-off.

The flight departed from Kempegowda International Airport at around 8.20am but reportedly encountered the technical issue soon after departure. The crew subsequently circled the aircraft near Tumakuru for more than 30 minutes before deciding to return to Bengaluru.

Aircraft returns to Bengaluru

Sources at Bangalore International Airport Limited (BIAL) said the aircraft was brought back as a safety precaution and made an emergency landing at the airport.

“All passengers on board are safe,” BIAL sources said.

The exact nature of the technical problem has not yet been disclosed. Airport authorities are examining the incident to determine what caused the aircraft to return.

ALSO READ | Creative Arts Emmys 2026: Who won what?

There was no immediate statement from Virgin Atlantic regarding the incident. Further details about the technical issue and the flight's subsequent status are awaited.

The incident comes after the aircraft had already taken off for London, with the crew choosing to return to Bengaluru after the reported technical problem rather than continue the journey.

Passengers safe

Authorities have confirmed that all passengers on board were safe following the aircraft's return to Bengaluru.

The incident remains under examination, and further information is expected from the airline or airport authorities regarding the nature of the technical fault and any impact on the flight's onward journey.

The aircraft's decision to return to its departure airport after a technical issue is a safety measure used when continuing a flight could pose additional risk. In this case, the crew reportedly remained in the vicinity of Tumakuru for more than 30 minutes before returning to Bengaluru.

The precise technical fault has not been established publicly. Until the airline or aviation authorities provide further details, the cause of the incident and any operational consequences remain unclear.