A Delhi-San Francisco Air India flight was diverted to Magadan in Russia after it developed a technical glitch in one of its engines, the airline said on Tuesday. The flight, AI 173, was carrying 216 passengers and 16 crew members when it encountered the problem. The flight landed safely at Magadan airport and the passengers were provided with support on the ground.
What happened to the flight?
According to Air India, the flight AI 173 of June 6, operating from Delhi to San Francisco, developed a technical issue with one of its engines. The flight crew followed the standard operating procedures and decided to divert the flight to the nearest suitable airport. The flight landed safely at Magadan Airport in Russia at around 10:30 am local time (2:30 am GMT). The airport authorities and the local Air India staff assisted the passengers and crew.
How did Air India handle the situation?
Air India said that it was providing all support to the passengers and crew on the ground and would provide them with alternative options to reach their destinations at the earliest. The airline also said that it was arranging for another aircraft to fly to Magadan and take the passengers to San Francisco. The aircraft that developed the engine trouble was undergoing the mandatory checks on the ground. Air India apologized for the inconvenience caused to the passengers and thanked them for their cooperation and understanding.
What is the status of Air India flights?
Air India is one of the largest airlines in India and operates flights to over 100 destinations across six continents. It is also one of the few airlines that operates non-stop flights from India to North America. The airline has been facing financial challenges and operational issues for several years. It has been trying to reduce its debt and improve its performance under a government-backed turnaround plan. The airline has also been affected by the COVID-19 pandemic, which has severely disrupted air travel worldwide. It has suspended or reduced some of its flights due to travel restrictions and low demand. However, the airline has also resumed some of its flights under air bubble arrangements with various countries. It has also been operating repatriation flights to bring back stranded Indians from abroad. Air India is also in the process of being privatized by the Indian government, which owns a majority stake in it. The government has invited bids from potential buyers and expects to complete the sale by September 2021.