Air India has announced that it will operate a dedicated relief service on Tuesday to assist passengers who were unexpectedly left in Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia, after their original San Francisco–Delhi flight had to divert due to a potential technical malfunction. A total of 228 travelers were unable to continue their journey as planned when the aircraft changed route on Monday as a precautionary measure.
According to the airline, a Boeing 787 Dreamliner has been arranged to fly from Delhi on Tuesday afternoon. This special aircraft, operating as flight AI183, will travel to the Mongolian capital specifically to pick up the affected passengers and bring them back to India. The return journey is expected to conclude on Wednesday morning, ensuring that all travelers can safely resume their plans.
The flight that encountered the issue, AI174, was originally operating with a Boeing 777 aircraft from San Francisco to Delhi, with a stop planned in Kolkata. Mid-flight, the pilots detected a potential technical problem and decided to divert the plane to ensure maximum safety. The aircraft landed safely in Ulaanbaatar with 245 individuals on board, including 228 passengers and 17 crew members.
In an official statement, Air India confirmed the relief arrangements and reassured travelers that their safety remains the airline’s highest priority. The carrier also emphasized that it has been working closely with Mongolian authorities and the Indian Embassy to take care of those on board. Stranded passengers and crew members have been provided accommodation, meals, and regular updates regarding the situation.
Meanwhile, the Boeing 777 that diverted is now undergoing a detailed technical examination in Mongolia. It will only return to India after engineers conduct the required checks and confirm that it is safe to fly.
This incident adds to a series of similar diversions on the San Francisco–Delhi route in recent years. In 2023, an Air India flight made an emergency landing in Magadan, Russia, and another flight diverted to Krasnoyarsk, Siberia, in 2024 due to technical problems. In both of those cases, passengers were later transported home on alternative aircraft arranged by the airline.
Air India reiterated that the well-being and security of its passengers and crew form the core of its operating principles, and necessary contingency plans will always be employed to ensure safe travel under any circumstances.
