New Delhi

An Air India flight operating from New Delhi to San Francisco was forced to divert and land at Krasnoyarsk International Airport (UNKL) in Russia after a suspected fire in the luggage compartment, according to a report in BBC Russia.

Advertisment

The report stated that the long-haul aircraft was forced to make the landing, six hours after taking off from the Indira Gandhi International Airport in New Delhi. According to preliminary data, 243 passengers were flying aboard the Boeing 777 plane and all were safe.

The Ministry of Emergency Situations confirmed that the fire alarm in the luggage compartment of the plane went off, forcing the pilots to make an 'unscheduled' landing at the Krasnoyarsk airfield. The Federal Air Transport Agency said there was no sign of fire or smoke.

Air India statement  

Advertisment

The airline released a statement informing the plane had landed safely at the Russian airport and efforts were underway to ensure the next course of action. 

"Air India flight AI-183 operating Delhi to San Francisco has been diverted to Krasnoyarsk International Airport (UNKL) in Russia due to a technical reason," the airline said. 

"The aircraft has landed safely and we are working with relevant authorities to ensure guests are taken care of while we decide the next course of action. At Air India, the safety and wellbeing of our customers and crew remains top priority," it added. 

Advertisment

×

Watch | Why Air India passenger was arrested after refusing food, drinks on flight

Previous instance 

The diversion of the Air India flight comes amid a global debate over the use of Russian airspace by some carriers.

Notably, this is not the first instance when an Air India flight has been diverted to Russia. In June last year, a plane on the same route landed at an airport in Russia's Far East with 216 passengers and 16 crew onboard.

The widebody aircraft developed a technical issue with one of its engines which prompted the evasive manoeuvres. 

Also read | Air hostess detained for smuggling 1kg of gold inside rectum

Afterwards, the Russia avaiation authority checked the plane's technical condition and permitted an alternate flight to land there and carry the passengers. 

(With inputs from agencies)