MOSCOW: An Air India flight en route from New Delhi to Birmingham made an unscheduled landing in Moscow on Wednesday, September 4, 2024, due to suspected technical issues.
The Boeing 787 aircraft, operating as flight AI 113, landed at Sheremetyevo International Airport as a precautionary measure, according to an official familiar with the situation.
The incident occurred while the aircraft was on its way to Birmingham from India’s national capital. The decision to divert to Moscow was taken by the flight crew after noticing potential technical problems.
“The safety of passengers is always the top priority, and the decision to make a precautionary landing was taken in the interest of ensuring a safe journey,” the official said.
After landing in Moscow, the aircraft underwent a thorough inspection by the technical team at Sheremetyevo Airport.
The checks lasted several hours, and after the issues were addressed, the flight resumed its journey to Birmingham. The aircraft landed safely at its destination early on Thursday, September 5, 2024.
While the exact nature of the technical problem has not been officially disclosed, it is believed to be a routine precaution taken to mitigate any risk during the flight. An official statement from Air India is yet to be released.
Details regarding the number of passengers on board the flight have not been confirmed. However, sources indicate that all passengers were safely transferred to their final destination without any further delays after the aircraft was cleared for takeoff from Moscow.
This is not the first time Air India has had to make precautionary landings due to technical issues.
The national carrier, which operates flights to various international destinations, has protocols in place to ensure the safety of passengers in the event of any technical irregularities during flights. While such incidents are rare, they highlight the importance of the airline’s commitment to safety.
Sheremetyevo International Airport in Moscow is one of the busiest airports in Russia and serves as a key transit hub for flights between Europe and Asia.
The airport’s technical and maintenance teams are well-equipped to handle various types of aircraft emergencies, ensuring that precautionary landings like the one involving flight AI 113 are managed efficiently.
Passengers on board the flight were reportedly kept informed of the situation throughout the process, with the airline ensuring that all necessary precautions were taken to address the technical issues.
The flight crew’s professionalism and prompt response to the situation helped mitigate any potential concerns among passengers, ensuring a smooth continuation of the journey.
Air India’s Boeing 787 fleet is a key part of its long-haul international operations. Known for its fuel efficiency and advanced technology, the Boeing 787 is designed for safety and performance, making it a preferred choice for airlines operating on international routes. Despite the technical issues, the aircraft was able to complete its journey without incident following the inspection in Moscow.
As of now, Air India has not commented on whether any further investigations will be conducted into the technical issue. The airline is expected to release an official statement in the coming days.
Passengers have been urged to stay updated through Air India’s official communication channels for any further developments.