A Delhi-bound Air India flight from New York was diverted to Ireland on Monday after a suspected technical issue, the airline said in a statement. Flight AI102, operated by an Airbus A350 aircraft, was travelling from John F. Kennedy International Airport in New York to Indira Gandhi International Airport in Delhi when the crew decided to make a precautionary diversion.
The aircraft, carrying around 300 passengers and crew, landed safely at Shannon Airport in Ireland at around 4:30 am local time. According to flight tracking platform Flightradar24, the plane had been airborne for nearly six hours before it was diverted. In an official statement, Air India said the diversion was made following a suspected technical issue and was carried out as a safety precaution.
“The aircraft landed safely at Shannon Airport and all passengers and crew are safe. The aircraft is currently undergoing detailed technical inspections as per established safety protocols,” the airline spokesperson said. Air India added that while such precautionary diversions are taken to ensure passenger safety, it regrets the inconvenience caused to travellers. The airline also said it is working with Shannon Airport authorities and local agencies to provide assistance to passengers and crew.
Further updates will be shared once the technical inspection is completed, the airline said.