Air India Flight To US Grounded In Vienna Over Technical Issue During Refuelling Stop
Air India said necessary arrangements were being made for passengers, and the aircraft would remain in Vienna until repairs were completed.
An Air India flight en route from Delhi to Washington, DC was grounded in Vienna on Wednesday after a routine inspection during a scheduled fuel stop revealed a technical issue requiring extended maintenance, airline officials confirmed.
Flight AI103, which took off from Delhi on July 2, had landed in the Austrian capital for refuelling as part of its long-haul journey. During standard ground checks, a maintenance issue was flagged that could not be immediately resolved. As a result, the airline made the decision to cancel the onward leg of the journey to Washington in the interest of passenger safety.
Air India said necessary arrangements were being made for passengers, and the aircraft would remain in Vienna until repairs were completed.
According to an India Today report, an Air India spokesperson confirmed that passengers were disembarked in Vienna after the aircraft was grounded. Those with valid Schengen visas or eligible for visa-free entry were provided hotel accommodation until the next available flight. For others without entry clearance, Air India is coordinating with Austrian immigration and security authorities to make suitable arrangements.
The disruption also affected the return leg, Flight AI104 from Washington to Delhi via Vienna, which had to be cancelled, reported India Today. The airline said that passengers on the return service have been rebooked on alternate flights or offered full refunds.
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