Kamal Ghorui
NEW DELHI: Row 32 and 33 passengers snoozing on board Air India’s new Airbus A350 winging its way from New York to Delhi were rudely awaken by floor vibrations and sound from below their feet. They alerted crew members about the noise and vibrations which were making them jittery. Being near the coast of Ireland at that time, the pilots decided to divert to Shannon and the aircraft (VT-JRF) operating as AI 102 with 300 people on board landed safely there.In all such intercontinental diversions, the main issue is of visas in terms of getting passengers out of the airport for being taken to hotels. Airline sources say AI arranged for the same and everyone on this flight has been sent to hotels. Alternate arrangements for their return are being made as the aircraft is undergoing checks as suggested by Airbus.“There were floorboard vibrations and complaints of noise from the underbelly of the aircraft. It may be a case of cargo not being secured properly by ground handler at JFK or a panel coming loose. As of now nothing can be said as the aircraft (which is just about 2.5 years old) is being checked,” said people in the know. AI is sending engineers and material from Delhi.An AI spokesperson said: “Flight AI102, operating from New York (JFK) to Delhi on March 15, made a precautionary diversion to Shannon, Ireland, following a suspected technical issue. Consistent with AI’s high safety standards, the aircraft is currently subject to extensive technical evaluations, which will require extra time to complete. During this period, our airport partners have been working closely with Shannon Airport authorities to extend full support to our guests and crew. Meals and refreshments were provided, and assistance was arranged to help passengers complete immigration and customs procedures. Hotel accommodation has also been offered to all affected guests.”“We deeply regret the inconvenience caused to our guests due to this unforeseen situation. Air India is making every effort to ensure passengers are able to continue their journey to Delhi at the earliest. At Air India, the safety and wellbeing of our passengers and crew remain our top priority,” the spokesperson added.The flagship aircraft in AI’s fleet had taken off from New York JFK at 6.39 pm. After flying for nearly six hours, it landed Shannon at 4.31 am (all timings local). Now when the passengers take off for Delhi remains to be seen.
