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A major twist in an international flight route has caused shockwaves among passengers and on social media. An Air India flight that took off from San Francisco (SFO) bound for New Delhi was unexpectedly diverted to Kolkata, triggering confusion, anger, and speculation.
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The long-haul flight, which normally arrives directly in Delhi, was suddenly re-routed mid-air — and passengers claim they were informed only after the aircraft was already in the air. The surprise diversion has now turned into a hot topic of debate across travel forums and social platforms.
✈️ What Exactly Happened on the Flight?
According to early reports, the aircraft departed from San Francisco International Airport with hundreds of passengers on board. For many of them, the journey became unexpectedly longer and more uncertain when the co-pilot made an announcement that the flight would be landing in Kolkata first, instead of the scheduled direct arrival in Delhi.
Passengers, stunned and confused, began posting about the diversion online even before the plane landed.
😠 Passenger Outrage: “We Booked Direct to Delhi!”
Many passengers expressed frustration, claiming that their ticket clearly mentioned a direct SFO–Delhi flight. For some, this diversion has added 3–6 extra hours to their journey, causing missed connecting flights, long wait times, and disrupted travel plans.
One passenger wrote on X (Twitter):
“Booked a direct flight to Delhi, and now we’re heading to Kolkata? Zero prior information. This is unacceptable for an international flight!”
Another traveler posted:
“From 16 hours to almost 21 hours. Children are exhausted. Air India owes passengers an explanation.”
❗ Why Was the Flight Diverted? Mystery Deepens
No official statement has yet been issued by Air India. However, aviation sources suggest that one or more of the following could be the reason:
| Possible Reason | Details |
|---|---|
| ⚠️ Technical issue | Aircraft system alert or engine-related caution? |
| 🌩️ Weather concern | Fog / poor visibility at Delhi airport? |
| 🛬 Runway congestion | Delhi air traffic overload leading to diversion? |
| 🧑⚕️ Medical emergency | Urgent evacuation for a sick passenger? |
| 🔐 Security or safety reason | Confidential precautionary diversion? |
What has raised further curiosity is: Why Kolkata?
For a US–India flight, usual diversions are Mumbai, Ahmedabad, or Hyderabad — Kolkata is considered unusual, making the diversion more mysterious.
🌐 Social Media on Fire
Within minutes of the news breaking, hashtags like #AirIndia, #AIDiversion, and #BreakingNews began trending across India and among the Indian diaspora abroad.
Some users labeled this “a major operational failure,” while others defended the airline, stating that if safety was at risk, diversion was the right call.
Aviation vloggers and travel experts have already begun decoding the possible reason behind this unexpected detour.
🧳 Passengers Facing Serious Trouble
The sudden diversion has caused multiple issues:
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Missed connecting domestic and international flights
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Delayed baggage clearance and re-check-in
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Lack of clarity on meal vouchers, hotel stay, or compensation
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Elderly passengers and families with children facing discomfort
Several passengers are reportedly planning to file complaints, demanding compensation for the inconvenience and lack of communication.
🕵️♂️ Experts Say: “Something Bigger May Be Behind This”
A senior aviation analyst, speaking anonymously, said:
“Long-haul flights do not switch to alternate airports of this distance unless there is a significant trigger. Something more serious may have prompted this diversion.”
The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) is expected to request an internal report from Air India.
🕑 Official Statement Expected Soon
Media outlets have been reaching out to Air India for clarification. The airline is expected to release an official statement explaining the reason behind the diversion and what support will be offered to affected passengers.
