US plane forced to land in Mumbai for airspace violation

MUMBAI: A US aircraft with 205 American Marine commandos on board was on Sunday made to land at Mumbai airport for allegedly violating the Indian airspace.

The chartered plane was on its way from Fujiriah in Middle East to Bangkok, an airport official said. The aircraft was using a civilian call sign, officials said.

"A US aircraft with 205 US Marines on board, on its way from Fujiriah to Bangkok, was forced to land in Mumbai while overflying Indian airspace as there was some confusion about its call sign," a Mumbai International Airport Limited spokesperson said.

The aircraft landed at Mumbai airport at 0752 hours and has been parked at a remote bay, the spokesperson said adding, all passengers are on board.

Indian Air Force is looking into the issue, the spokesperson said.