Air India flight from San Francisco to Delhi diverted to Mongolia after ‘technical snag’

An Air India flight operating from San Francisco to Delhi via Kolkata was diverted to Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia, on Sunday after the flight crew reported a suspected technical issue mid-air.

According to the airline, the Boeing 777 aircraft, operating as flight AI174 on November 2, made a precautionary landing at Ulaanbaatar and landed safely. All passengers and crew members are reported to be safe.

The flight had departed from San Francisco at 2.47 pm IST and was to land at 9.59 pm on Monday.

“AI174 of 02 November, operating from San Francisco to Delhi via Kolkata, made a precautionary landing at Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia, after the flight crew suspected a technical issue en route. The aircraft landed safely at Ulaanbaatar and is undergoing the necessary checks," said the airline spokesperson.

"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. We regret the inconvenience caused to the passengers due to the unforeseen situation. At Air India, the safety of passengers and crew remains top priority,” the airline spokesperson added.

Officials said engineers have been deployed to inspect the aircraft, and alternative travel arrangements are being made for passengers as part of standard protocol.

The airline said that passengers were being provided assistance and refreshments at the Ulaanbaatar airport as technical checks continued.