It is June 2024 all over again. In June 2023, Air India’s flight AI173 diverted to Russia’s Magadan Airport after the 777’s engine developed a snag while overflying Russia.

Air India AI183 diverts to Krasnoyarsk Airport (KJA)

Air India was operating AI183, its 3X weekly service to San Francisco, using VT-ALG, a 15-year-old Boeing 777-200LR delivered to Air India in 2009. The aircraft departed on time from Delhi and was overflying Russia when it squawked 7700 and turned around after roughly six hours of flight. As per available information, the aircraft has now arrived at the Krasnoyarsk Airport (KJA) and had a safe landing. It seems this was the nearest airport available for a diversion.

Air India’s website confirms the diversion as well.

While the exact cause is unknown, Russian news agency RIA Novosti attributes the cause to a triggered fire sensor in the baggage hold, necessitating the diversion. According to the agency, no smoke or fire was sighted on arrival, and the aircraft did not need external towing support to arrive at a bay. Two hundred forty-four people were on board (225 passengers and 19 crew members).

Air India states it was a technical reason.

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 aircraft has landed safely and we are working with relevant authorities to ensure guests are taken care of while we…

— Air India (@airindia) July 18, 2024

The good news is that the aircraft landed safely. This diversion will also be a short-term measure. At the time of publishing, Air India has already updated its website to show a prospective departure out of KJA within 2 hours of arrival at KJA Airport. [Update: VT-ALG will not be operating the flight to San Francisco. A ferry aircraft will be organised instead]

Air India’s second statement on the flight clarified that the passengers on board are being taken inside the terminal, and that Air India will be organising a new aircraft to take them onwards from Russia.

Update #2: Air India Flight AI183

Air India flight AI183 of 18 July 2024 operating Delhi to San Francisco made a precautionary landing at Krasnoyarsk International Airport (KJA) in Russia after the cockpit crew detected a potential issue in the cargo hold area. The aircraft…

— Air India (@airindia) July 18, 2024

This developing story will be updated with more details as they become available.

Bottomline

Air India’s VT-ALG, operating as AI183 between Delhi and San Francisco, today diverted to the KJA airport in Russia after 6.5 hours of flying. The aircraft is now on the ground, and the airline calls it a technical reason for grounding, but the Russian news agency says it was because of a fire sensor going off in the luggage hold. This is the second such instance of a diversion into Russia within 13 months.

How long before you reckon the passengers will be on their way again?

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