Air India has arranged hotel accommodations for all affected passengers, though they acknowledged logistical challenges in securing rooms close to the airport, leading to arrangements in the wider area. The airline also confirmed resolving a critical visa issue for one passenger whose Schengen visa was set to expire on October 20, rebooking them on a flight departing Milan on October 19. Vegetarian meals are being provided to all stranded travelers, and Air India has issued a sincere apology for the significant inconvenience caused during this important festive period.

The exclusion of women reporters from the Friday presser drew sharp condemnation from opposition figures, who labeled it “unacceptable.” The event occurred shortly after Muttaqi’s meetings with Indian External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar. Prominent Indian politicians, including Rahul Gandhi and P Chidambaram, voiced strong criticism, with Gandhi accusing the government of allowing the exclusion and Chidambaram suggesting male journalists should have boycotted the event. Sources from the Ministry of External Affairs clarified that the Indian government had no role in organizing the press conference, emphasizing that invitations were handled by Afghanistan’s Consul General in Mumbai, and the embassy premises are outside Indian jurisdiction.

During the press conference, Muttaqi also touched upon educational opportunities in Afghanistan, noting that 2.8 million women and girls are currently attending schools and educational institutes. He acknowledged certain limitations in religious seminaries but stressed that education is not considered religiously forbidden, merely postponed. Addressing regional tensions, he reiterated Afghanistan’s desire for good relations with Pakistan but affirmed the nation’s commitment to defending its borders and interests, noting a recent military engagement had been paused following mediation efforts.

During his visit, Muttaqi met with Indian External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar to discuss vital bilateral matters including trade, humanitarian aid, and security. This engagement marks a key step in the Taliban government’s outreach to regional partners amid international scrutiny of its domestic policies.

On the sensitive topic of women’s education in Afghanistan, Muttaqi stated that millions of girls are currently enrolled in educational institutions, including religious seminaries. He clarified that while some educational avenues are temporarily restricted, there is no religious prohibition against education itself, referring to it as a matter of ‘second order’ for now. The Indian government has since clarified its non-involvement in the organization of the initial press briefing. The Taliban’s governance has drawn considerable international criticism for its stringent restrictions on women’s rights since their return to power.

The airline stated that the crew of AI2455, which departed from Thiruvananthapuram on August 10th, diverted the plane to Chennai as a precaution due to a suspected technical fault and adverse weather conditions along the route.

The flight carried several passengers, including five Members of Parliament, along with crew members. Air India confirmed the safe landing of the aircraft in Chennai. The passengers included four MPs from Kerala – Congress General Secretary K.C. Venugopal, UDF convener Adoor Prakash, senior Congress leader Kodikunnil Suresh, and K. Radhakrishnan, along with Tamil Nadu MP Robert Bruce.

Venugopal described the incident as a close call, narrowly avoiding a major accident. He claimed a radar issue necessitated the emergency landing. He stated that they were in the air for approximately one hour and ten minutes before the landing. He has already informed the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) about the matter.

An Air India spokesperson confirmed the safe landing in Chennai, where the aircraft would undergo necessary inspections. The airline is arranging alternative options to transport passengers to their destinations as quickly as possible and expressed regret for the inconvenience. Details about the exact number of passengers are unavailable. Flightradar24 data indicates the flight departed Thiruvananthapuram after 8 PM and arrived in Chennai around 10:35 PM.