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NEW DELHI Indian authorities on Sunday forced a US plane carrying Marines to land in Mumbai after a confusion about its call sign, but later allowed it to resume its journey, a US Embassy official said.
The Bangkok-bound plane was diverted while in Indian airspace, said the official, who didn't want to be named because he wasn't authorized to speak with reporters.
Pilots use a call sign to identify themselves and confirm that they are authorized to enter a country's airspace.
The embassy official did not give details on the confusion. The Press Trust of India news agency reported the plane had civilian, but not military, clearance from Indian authorities.
'We are pleased that we were able to resolve this procedural matter in an expeditious fashion, and appreciate the assistance and cooperation of Indian authorities,' the official said.
PTI said the plane came from the Middle East carrying 205 Marine commandos. The Marines stayed on the aircraft at the Mumbai airport while they waited for clearance from Indian authorities, the report said.
After an investigation, the Indian air force gave the plane clearance to leave, PTI quoted air force spokesman T.K. Singha as saying.
The plane is expected to leave for Bangkok on Monday, the embassy official said.
In September, India detained a United Arab Emirates air force plane for two days because the crew failed to declare it was carrying arms and ammunition to China. The plane had stopped in the eastern city of Calcutta for refueling.— AP
