Air India is one of the oldest aviation companies in India. On June 6, 2023, a technical issue with one of the aircraft’s engines forced an Air India flight carrying 216 passengers and 16 crew members from Delhi to San Francisco to make a U-turn and land at Magadan, Russia (GDX). But, now, the passengers are stranded in an unknown country with inadequate facilities.
Air India Passengers Are Stranded In Russia With Inadequate Facilities!
UPDATE: FERRY FLIGHT TO MAGADAN AIRBORNE
Our ferry flight AI195 from Mumbai (BOM) to Magadan, Russia (GDX) is now airborne, and is expected to arrive at GDX at 0630 Hours (local time) on 08 June 2023.
An Air India team is on board the flight to provide any support that the… pic.twitter.com/oIwrqrF3po
— Air India (@airindia) June 7, 2023
After diverting the flight, passengers were stranded in Russia’s Magadan. The airline stated that due to the lack of adequate infrastructure near the airport, the passengers and personnel have been relocated to temporary quarters. However, the stranded passengers, including children and the elderly, found it challenging due to communication difficulties, strange food, and temporary accommodations.
According to an NDTV report, passengers had no clarity about the whereabouts of their flight and inadequate facilities. A passenger stated that there are over 230 people and their bags are still in the aircraft. He further added that they were transported to various destinations by buses. Some of the folks laying on mattresses on the floor were transported to a school.
Additionally, the restrooms need improvement and language is a barrier. The local cuisine is different and consists of meat and fish. In fact, some people are surviving only on soup and bread. Medicine is running out for the elderly. However, the Russian authorities were nice and the passengers were accommodated in college dorms.
Also Read: Air India Crew Member Assaulted On Goa-Delhi Flight; Passenger Handed Over To Security
The airline company has shared an update that a ferry flight is carrying essentials and a sufficient amount of food.
The Airline Company Issues A Statement
Important Update regarding AI 173 Delhi to SFO pic.twitter.com/DibzwCoGU4
— Air India (@airindia) June 7, 2023
On Wednesday, Air India declared that a replacement aircraft would be dispatched from Mumbai to carry the stranded travellers from Magadan to San Francisco. The airline also guaranteed that the travellers would receive all necessary assistance upon arrival and that they would be given lodging in nearby hostels and hotels.
Deputy Spokesperson Vedant Patel of the US State Department stated that it was likely that there were Americans on board and that the US State Department was monitoring the situation.
Also Read: An Air India San-Francisco Bound Flight Was Diverted To Russia; US Is Monitoring The Situation
The alternate flight was permitted to land at Magadan Airport. The Russian aviation regulator said that it was monitoring the aircraft’s technical status after landing there.
Cover Image Courtesy: Wikimedia