Delhi-Bengaluru flight diverted to Bhopal amid emergency, passengers left scrambling
New Delhi (The Uttam Hindu): Passengers on two separate Air India flights faced tense moments after a sudden technical glitch occurred. However, the airline crew's alertness and prompt action ensured the safe landing of both flights, averting a major tragedy.
One flight (AI2487) from Delhi to Bengaluru had to be diverted to Bhopal, while another flight (AI174) from San Francisco to Delhi had to land in Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia.
Delhi-Bengaluru flight lands in Bhopal
Yesterday (Monday) evening, Air India flight AI2487, flying from Delhi to Bengaluru, suddenly detected a suspected technical problem. The pilot, taking no chances, immediately decided to divert the flight to the nearest airport, Bhopal.
The plane landed safely at Bhopal Airport around 6:30 pm. More than 150 passengers were on board, and all are safe.
An airline spokesperson said in a statement, "The aircraft is being inspected, which will take time. We are providing food and water to the passengers and will soon arrange another flight to take them to their destination." Air India apologized for the inconvenience caused to passengers and said that passenger safety is its top priority.
A similar incident occurred on November 2nd, when the San Francisco-Delhi flight arrived in Mongolia. Air India flight AI174, traveling from San Francisco (USA) to Delhi, also experienced a technical problem. The crew, without taking any risks, landed the plane safely in Ulaanbaatar, the capital of Mongolia.
All passengers were evacuated as soon as the plane landed. Air India booked hotels for the passengers, arranged meals, and helped them through immigration. The airline posted on X (formerly Twitter), stating, "This diversion was necessary for safety reasons. We apologize for the inconvenience." Passengers will now be flown to Delhi on an alternate flight.
In both cases, passengers reported that the crew handled the situation well and maintained calm, preventing panic among passengers. Air India says both planes are being thoroughly inspected.