NEW DELHI: Air India flight bound for San Francisco returned to Delhi on Wednesday morning after remaining airborne for more than three hours due to a technical issue, the airline said.Flight AI173, operated by a Boeing 777-300 ER aircraft, was carrying around 230 passengers when it was forced to turn back to the national capital in line with standard safety procedures, according to sources.“Flight AI173 from Delhi to San Francisco on May 27 has returned to Delhi due to a technical issue in accordance with the laid down procedures,” Air India said in a statement.The airline said the aircraft landed safely and would undergo detailed technical checks.“The aircraft landed safely and will undergo technical inspection in line with Air India’s safety standards,” the statement added.According to data available on flight-tracking website Flightradar24, the aircraft remained airborne for more than three hours. The plane reportedly began diverting back to Delhi after flying for over three hours while passing through Chinese airspace.Air India expressed regret over the inconvenience caused to passengers and said arrangements were being made to ensure they reached their destination at the earliest.“Regretting the inconvenience caused to the passengers, Air India said it was making alternative arrangements to fly them to their destination as soon as possible,” the airline said.“In the meantime, our ground teams are providing all necessary assistance to the passengers, including refreshments, hotel accommodation or rescheduling as opted by them,” it added.No injuries or emergency situation were reported during the flight’s return, and all passengers landed safely in Delhi, sources said.