An Air India flight traveling from New York's John F. Kennedy International Airport to Mumbai was diverted to Prince Mohammad bin Abdulaziz International Airport in Medina, Saudi Arabia, on March 18, 2026. The diversion was prompted by a fire indication in the aircraft's cargo hold.
According to a statement from Air India, the indication was a false alarm. The Boeing 777-300ER aircraft, operating as flight AI116, landed safely in Medina at approximately 10:30 PM local time. All 231 passengers and crew onboard were reported safe.
Following necessary safety checks and regulatory clearances, the aircraft resumed its journey to Mumbai's Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport, arriving with a significant delay. The airline stated that passenger safety is its utmost priority and that such procedures are followed as a standard precaution.
