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Iranian aircraft grounded in Bombay

An Ilyushin 76 transport aircraft registered in Iran was grounded at Bombay airport last Sunday after it deviated from all civil aviation regulations, according to a top airport official.

The registration number of the aircraft also differed from the one permitted to fly into India, he said.

The Bombay air traffic controllers ordered the aircraft, which was flying over the metropolis, to land in Bombay. It had only been authorised to fly from Sharjah to Trivandrum.

The aircraft had changed its place of departure and destination and wasn't fitted with the now mandatory Traffic Collision Avoidance System, the official said.

The five-member crew of the aircraft, including two Russians and two Uzbeks, were initially detained at the airport because they lacked a visa to enter the city. They were later referred to the aircraft's local agent to be transported back to their home countries.

Meanwhile, the aircraft has been kept under security watch at the airport pending clearance from the civil aviation ministry.

UNI

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