On November 30, 2024, an Air India Boeing 777-300, operating flight AI106 from Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR) to Indira Gandhi International Airport (DEL), was diverted to Moscow's Sheremetyevo International Airport (SVO) due to a medical emergency on board. The aircraft, registered as VT-ALJ, had been flying for approximately 10 hours when the emergency arose, leading to the decision to land in Moscow. The flight had taken off from Newark at 4:25 PM UTC and was scheduled to reach Delhi by 8:25 PM IST. However, the need for immediate medical attention for a passenger prompted the pilots to make a precautionary landing in Moscow, where the plane touched down safely at 2:07 AM UTC.
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Upon landing, emergency medical services were promptly available to attend to the passenger. Air India ensured accommodations for all passengers, providing them with food, rest facilities, and communication options during the unexpected layover. The flight was able to resume its journey to Delhi, departing Moscow around 5:00 AM UTC and arriving at its destination at 10:46 AM UTC on December 1, 2024.
This diversion was the second instance in less than four months where an Air India flight had to make an unscheduled landing in Russia, the previous incident being technical in nature. Such diversions due to medical emergencies underscore the complexities airlines face in managing passenger health on long-haul flights.
Air India issued a statement apologizing for the inconvenience, reiterating that passenger safety and well-being are paramount. The incident highlights the critical role of crew training and international cooperation in handling medical emergencies, ensuring that passengers receive the necessary care even when diverted to foreign airports.