Air India plane flying between Delhi and San Francisco lands in Russia
An Air India plane flying from Delhi to San Francisco was forced to divert and land at a Russian airport after suffering a technical problem with one of its engines, the carrier said Tuesday.
The 216 passengers on board are being supported on the ground and will be provided with alternative options to reach their destinations as soon as possible, Air India said, adding that the plane was also carrying a crew of 16.
The Russian aviation authority said it was checking the plane’s technical condition after landing at Magadan airport and would give the airline permission to land an additional standby plane if necessary.
“At the moment, the issue of passenger stay and accommodation is being resolved by the border, customs and regional authorities,” Rosaviatsia said.
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The Boeing 777 diversion comes a day after the head of the world’s largest airline expressed concern about the safety of airlines flying through Russian airspace with U.S. citizens on board.
“What would happen if an airline landed in Russia with U.S. citizens on board? That would be a potential crisis,” Scott Kirby, CEO of United Airlines, said Monday.
“I think we should resolve it before the crisis occurs.”
The diversion raises questions about how quickly the Boeing 777, can be repaired amid U.S. and EU sanctions on the export of aviation goods to Russia.
On Monday, Air India CEO Campbell Wilson defended the airline’s use of Russian airspace, noting the critical role the sector plays in connecting economies, people and cultures.
Russia has banned U.S. and other foreign airlines from using its airspace in retaliation for Washington’s ban on Russian flights over the U.S. in March 2022 after Moscow sent troops to Ukraine.
However, Air India and some airlines based in the Gulf, China and Africa continue to fly over Russia, shortening flight times and detracting from the competitiveness of their U.S. rivals.
By Aditi Shah, Joanna Plucinska and Tim Hepher – Reuters
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