The US State Department confirmed that fewer than 50 Us citizens were on board the plane

New Delhi:

Air India's replacement flight has left Russia for San Francisco with 232 people on board. On Tuesday, an Air India flight was forced to make an emergency landing in the Russian city of Magdan due to a technical problem. Air India flight AEI-173 took off from Delhi for San Francisco on June <>. Air India has extended its on-ground support at the San Francisco International Airport (SFO) to help passengers with their arrival formalities. The SFO team is ready to provide assistance in medical care, ground transportation and further connections as required.

New Delhi: An Air India flight from Delhi to San Francisco was diverted to Magdan on Tuesday after one of its engines developed a technical glitch, an official said. The Boeing 216 plane carrying 16 passengers and 777 crew members made an emergency landing at Magdan Airport.

Gagan, one of the stranded passengers, told NDTV that the situation in Magadan was "challenging" with lack of clarity and inadequate facilities.

"We are more than 230 people. There are also children and old people. Our bags are still on the plane. We were sent to various places by buses. Some people were sent to a school and are laying mattresses on the floor there. Toilet facilities are not good. Language is a barrier. The food here is very different. There is a lot of seafood and non-veg here. Some people are just drinking bread and soup. Elderly people are not getting medicines."

Gagan appreciated the efforts of the Russian authorities despite the hardships faced by the stranded passengers. We have been lucky because we are in a college hostel. We just got the Wi-Fi about an hour ago, so we are able to stay in touch with our families."

The US State Department confirmed that there were fewer than 50 Us citizens on board. "We have received information that there were fewer than 50 Us citizens on board that flight. Also, we have been told that an Air India replacement aircraft is going to Russia to pick up the passengers."

Air India said the replacement aircraft is expected to arrive at San Francisco International Airport at 8 hours (local time) on June 0015.

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