Indian passengers who were stranded in Russia‘s Magadan have expressed their gratitude to the Russian authorities for their quick assistance. After a technical issue with one of its engines, a flight headed to San Francisco from New Delhi with 216 passengers and 16 crew was diverted to Magadan. The passengers were stuck there for nearly two days before a reserve flight moved from Mumbai flew them to San Francisco. The Russian Embassy tweeted, which read: After a technical problem forced an @airindia plane to make an emergency landing in #Magadan, a reserve flight transported all passengers and crew to #SanFrancisco. Passengers from #India expressed their gratitude for the assistance provided by the #Russia‘n people.
The airline, Air India, has also pledged to refund the passengers’ fare and provide a voucher for future travel. The pilots received an indication of low oil pressure in one engine and made the decision to land the aircraft at a nearby airport out of caution. Air India tweeted, All our passengers are being extended maximum on-ground assistance with clearance formalities and provided other necessary support. The airline also mobilised additional on-ground support to ensure that all passengers’ clearance procedures went smoothly upon arrival.
The stranded passengers shared a video, expressing their thanks to the Russian government, the Russian people, and the place where they stayed. They boarded a flight on Thursday and said goodbye, sharing that they were happy to meet their families soon. An Air India official even wrote a letter apologising to the passengers on behalf of the airline for the extended delay. The airline is known for its excellent on-ground assistance provision to passengers in such situations.