NEW YORK- Tata Group-owned Air India (AI) long-haul flight from New York (JFK) to Delhi (DEL) diverted to Shannon (SNN) after passengers reported unusual floor vibrations during the transatlantic journey.
The Airbus A350-900 operating Air India flight AI102 experienced the issue while cruising at 33,000 feet, prompting pilots to land safely in Ireland as a precaution.
Air India Flight Diverts After Unusual Mid-Air Vibrations
Passengers aboard Air India (AI) flight AI102 from New York John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK) to Delhi Indira Gandhi International Airport (DEL) reported unusual noises and vibrations while the aircraft was flying over the Atlantic Ocean.
The incident occurred during the ultra-long-haul service when many passengers were resting. Travelers seated near rows 33 and 34 at the rear of the Airbus A350-900 first noticed vibrations coming from beneath the cabin floor. Shortly after, similar shaking and noises spread to nearby sections of the aircraft.
Passengers alerted cabin crew, who informed the pilots about the disturbance. The flight crew then began troubleshooting procedures in an effort to identify the source. Systems were methodically shut down and checked over a period of about 30 minutes to determine whether any onboard equipment was causing the vibration.
When the crew could not identify the source of the problem, the pilots decided to divert the aircraft to Shannon Airport (SNN) in Ireland as a precautionary safety measure.
The aircraft landed safely at approximately 4:30 a.m. local time without any reported injuries. The incident was first reported by PYOK.
Passenger Assistance After Diversion
After landing in Shannon, around 240 passengers had to complete emergency immigration procedures. Many travelers required temporary visas to enter Ireland before they could leave the airport.
Air India coordinated with local authorities and airport partners to assist passengers with documentation and transfers. Travelers were then transported to nearby hotels while they waited for further updates about their onward journey.
The airline also arranged meals, refreshments, and other basic support services for both passengers and crew during the unexpected delay.
Investigation Into The Cause
The exact cause of the vibrations has not yet been confirmed. According to passenger accounts, the aircraft passed through turbulence shortly before the noise began.
One possible explanation is that turbulence may have shifted cargo that was not fully secured in the hold. Another possibility could involve a loose structural panel or internal component within the aircraft.
Air India has dispatched engineers from Delhi to conduct a full inspection of the aircraft. The airline does not operate regular flights to Ireland, which means it does not have permanent technical teams stationed at Shannon.
The aircraft remains on the ground while technical evaluations continue.
Aircraft Background
The aircraft involved in the diversion is a two and a half year old Airbus A350-900 with registration VT-JRF.
This aircraft was originally built for the Russian carrier Aeroflot (SU). Aeroflot was scheduled to receive several A350 aircraft shortly after Russia launched its invasion of Ukraine.
International sanctions against Russia halted the delivery process. As a result, the aircraft order was effectively cancelled.
Air India later acquired six of these aircraft and introduced them into its fleet after making interior modifications. The airline replaced Aeroflot branding but retained the original seat configurations chosen by the Russian carrier.
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