Air India flight: In a latest development, a ferry flight from Mumbai is scheduled on Wednesday for Russia’s Magadan to take Air India passengers to San Francisco. The development comes after an Air India flight, which was on its way from New Delhi to San Francisco, was diverted to Magadan following a technical problem with one of its engines on Tuesday.
The ferry flight will also carry food and other essential items for the passengers. In a statement, Air India said, “A ferry flight is scheduled from Mumbai, India (BOM) to GDX on 07 June 2023 at 1300 hours IST, subject to necessary regulatory clearances, which will allow the passengers and crew of AI173 onward.” Will take. To San Francisco.”
Air India issued a statement
The flight with 216 passengers and 16 crew was diverted to Magadan, Russia (GDX), where it landed safely. “We at Air India are concerned about all passengers and staff and are making every effort to operate the ferry flight as soon as possible, and to ensure the health, safety and security of all while waiting” air carrier Company statement added. The airline further said that it held talks with the local authorities at Magadan airport, who extended all cooperation and support upon arrival of the flight.
“We can confirm that after making a sincere effort to accommodate passengers in hotels locally with the help of local government authorities, all passengers were taken to temporary accommodation,” Air India statement said. As Air India does not have any staff based in Magadan or remote city of Russia, Ministry of External Affairs (Government of India), through its liaison with the local Consulate General of India in Vladivostok, is providing all ground support to the passengers. ground handlers, and Russian officers.
US says it is ‘closely monitoring’ the situation
Earlier on Tuesday (June 6), the US said it was “closely monitoring” the situation. Addressing a regular press briefing, State Department Deputy Spokesperson Vedant Patel said the situation was being constantly monitored as the US-bound flight made an emergency landing in Russia.
“I have not been able to confirm how many US citizens were on board the flight at this time. This was a flight that was bound for the United States. So, it is certainly likely that there are US citizens on board, ” They said. Responding to a question, Patel further said, “There is public reporting from Air India that they are sending – what is my understanding – a replacement aircraft to the destination to take the passengers on their way , But I will postpone the air travel.” carrier to discuss anything further on this.”
(With ANI inputs)