New Delhi: An Air India San Francisco-bound flight AI173 from Delhi was diverted and scheduled to make an emergency landing at Magadan airport in Russia on Tuesday due to a technical issue in one of the aircraft's engines.

"The passengers are being provided all support on the ground and will be provided alternate options to reach their destinations at the earliest. The aircraft is undergoing mandatory checks on the ground. We sincerely regret the inconvenience caused to the passengers," added Air India.

Media reports indicate that the aircraft encountered an engine problem mid-flight, prompting the pilot to take immediate action to ensure the safety of all passengers and crew members onboard.

Russia has banned US airlines and other foreign carriers from using its airspace, but Air India and some Gulf-based, Chinese, and African carriers continue to fly over Russia, making flying times shorter.