Non-stop flight from China to Ethiopia forced to land twice at Mumbai airport after suffering 'engine trouble'

Ethiopian Airlines passengers were forced to endure a frustrating experience when their plane had to divert to Mumbai’s primary airport twice on the same day.

Indian media reported that the Boeing 777-300ER first diverted to Chhatrapati Shivaji International Airport to refuel about eight hours into its flight from southern China to Addis Ababa.

After topping up it departed for Bole International Airport in the Ethiopian capital, but was forced to return after the flight crew declared an emergency shortly after take-off.

Flight ET607 was carrying 283 passengers and 14 crew members from Guangzhou, China when it had to change course and refuel in Mumbai at about 4:15am local time yesterday.

The twin-engine plane departed for Ethiopia at 7:30am, but was forced to turn back as it flew over the Arabian Sea.