In the early hours of yesterday, Tuesday, June 6, an Air India Boeing 777 operating Flight AI 173 from New Delhi to San Francisco diverted from its route and landed in Magadan, Russia, after reporting technical problems with one of its engines. On board were 216 passengers and 16 crew members.
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The diversion of Air India flight 173
The aircraft, a 777-200LR with registration VT-ALH, took off from Indira Gandhi International Airport (DEL) at 04:23 local time, bound for San Francisco International Airport (SFO). Just over eight hours later, the plane deviated from its route due to problems with one of its two engines and landed safely at Magadan-Sokol International Airport (GDX) in eastern Siberia.
Although many carriers are not allowed to enter into Russian airspace, Air India flights to North America continue to fly over its territory.
Vedant Patel, Deputy Spokesperson for the United States Department of State, did not confirm how many nationals were on board but stated that «of course likely that there are American citizens on board». Due to the current geopolitical situation, the federal executive department responsible for international relations is closely monitoring the situation.
In this regard, the official stated that if necessary, the country would take steps «in assessing manifests and passengers who may be bound for the United States», as reported by CNN.
See also: Air India Expands Network with Non-Stop Delhi-Amsterdam Route
Air India’s Response
In a press release, Air India stated that they were working with the authorities at Magadan Airport to provide necessary assistance to the passengers and crew of flight AI 173.
According to the company, all passengers have been placed in local accommodations. Air India does not have its own staff in Magadan (or elsewhere in Russia), so all ground assistance will be provided jointly by the Consulate General of India in Vladivostok, the Ministry of External Affairs of the Asian country, and the Russian authorities.
Important Update regarding AI 173 Delhi to SFO pic.twitter.com/DibzwCoGU4
— Air India (@airindia) June 7, 2023
Another aircraft is on its way to Magadan
The airline has sent another Boeing 777-200LR to Magadan to pick up the passengers and transport them to San Francisco. About three hours before the publication of this article, ferry flight AI 175 departed from Chhatrapati Shivaji International Airport (BOM) in Mumbai.
It is estimated to arrive at 06:30 local time on Thursday, June 8th. «An Air India team is on board the flight to provide any support that the passengers and staff at the airport may require», the company stated.
In addition, they explained that the aircraft is carrying «essentials» and «sufficient amount of food to cater to all passengers» on the scheduled flight to San Francisco, which is due to depart shortly after the aircraft’s arrival in Russia.
