An Air India Express flight bound to Jeddah from Kannur returned within two hours of the flight on Tuesday due to a fault in the aircraft's engine, airport sources said.

The aircraft with over 180 passengers took off at 7.40 am from Kannur airport, but around two hours into the flight, the pilots saw an engine warning light and decided to return, the sources said.

"The flight landed safely in Kannur, and all the passengers are fine," they said.

A subsequent check of the aircraft found that there was something wrong with the fuel filter, they said.

The aircraft circled the airport for some time to reduce fuel before landing, they added.

An airline spokesperson said the crew of the flight decided to return as a precautionary measure following a technical issue.

"We are arranging an alternative aircraft for the onward journey, and guests have been provided with refreshments and hotel accommodation. We regret the inconvenience and reiterate that safety remains our highest priority in every aspect of our operations," the spokesperson said.

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