MUMBAI: A Chennai-bound Air India flight was forced to return to Mumbai on Saturday due to a "burning smell" in the cabin. The aircraft, however, landed back safely, Air India said in a statement.

"Air India flight AI 639, operating from Mumbai to Chennai, on Friday, June 27, made a precautionary air-return to Mumbai due to a burning smell in the cabin," the airline stated.

The flight landed "safely" back in Mumbai, and an aircraft change was initiated, Air India added, without providing specific details.

The airline further said its ground teams in Mumbai provided all necessary support to passengers to minimise the inconvenience caused by this unforeseen disruption.

The flight, carrying 148 passengers and six crew members, eventually departed from Mumbai at 4:35 am after a delay of more than five hours and landed in Chennai at 6:05 am, sources said.

(This article has been updated with more information about the incident)

(With Bureau inputs)