An Air India flight en route from San Francisco to Delhi made a precautionary landing in Ulaanbaatar on Sunday after the crew detected a technical issue mid-flight. Flight AI174, operating a Boeing aircraft, diverted safely to Chinggis Khaan International Airport without incident, where it underwent thorough inspections by maintenance teams. All passengers and crew remained unharmed, with the airline prioritizing their welfare amid the unexpected disruption.
The spokesperson for Air India emphasized passenger safety as paramount, stating, "We are working closely with our partners to support all passengers while we make efforts to get everyone on their way to the destination at the earliest opportunity." Arrangements included accommodations, meals, and rebooking options, as ground staff coordinated alternate flights via nearby hubs. The technical snag, details of which were not disclosed pending investigation, prompted the diversion over Mongolian airspace to the nearest suitable airport.
This event follows Air India's recent tragedy with Flight AI-171, a Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner that crashed shortly after takeoff from Ahmedabad in June, claiming 260 lives, including those on the ground. That incident, under ongoing probe by India's Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau, has heightened scrutiny on the Tata-owned carrier's fleet maintenance and safety protocols.
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In response to broader operational challenges, Air India completed retrofitting 27 legacy A320 neo aircraft with premium economy seats in September 2024, part of a $400 million Vihaan.AI transformation initiative. CEO Campbell Wilson reiterated commitments to supporting affected families from the crash, vowing exhaustive assistance.
As repairs proceed on AI174, passengers await resumption, with some rerouted via Seoul or Tokyo. The diversion underscores aviation's emphasis on caution, averting potential risks through proactive measures. Air India apologizes for the inconvenience, assuring full resolution soon. This incident, while resolved safely, adds to the airline's testing year amid fleet expansion and merger integrations with Vistara.
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