Air India all-women crew makes history by landing flight from US in Bengaluru flying over North Pole

The flight landed at Bengaluru on Monday morning at 3.07 AM after covering a distance of 16,000 kilometres in which the crew flew over the North Pole.

The crew of four women made history as they landed at Kempegowda International Airport with Air India’s longest direct route flight on Monday.

All 238 seats were booked on the Air India flight (AI 176).

The inaugural flight departed from San Francisco in the USA at 8.30 pm (local time) on Saturday and landed at the Kempegowda International Airport at 3.07 am (local time) on Monday.

The flight was operated by an all-women cockpit crew of Captain Zoya Aggarwal (P1), Captain Papagari Thanmai (P1), Captain Akansha Sonaware (P2) and Captain Shivani Manhas (P2), who responded to the cheers and clapping by showing the thumbs-up sign.

Speaking to reporters, Captain Zoya Aggarwal said, “Today, we created world history by not only flying over the North Pole but also by having all women pilots who successfully did it. We are extremely happy and proud to be part of it. This route has saved 10 tonnes of fuel.”

Union Minister for Civil Aviation, Hardeep Singh Puri tweeted, "Way to go girls! Professional, qualified & confident, the all women cockpit crew takes off from San Francisco to Bengaluru on @airindiain's flight to fly over the North Pole.Our Nari Shakti achieves a historic first."

Air India has said this will be the longest commercial flight in the world to be operated by it or any other airline in India.

Welcoming the crew members, Air India tweeted:  "#FlyAI : Welcome Home Capt Zoya Agarwal, Capt Papagiri Thanmei, Capt Akanksha & Capt Shivani after completing a landmark journey with touchdown @BLRAirport. Kudos for making Air India proud. We also congratulate passengers of AI176 for being part of this historic moment."

Congratulating the crew, Congress leader Rahul Gandhi tweeted: "Congratulations to the all-women cockpit crew for completing Air India’s longest flight from San Francisco to Bengaluru over the North Pole. You have made the country proud."