Flight AI191 had been travelling from Mumbai to Newark when it turned around over the Irish Sea and headed to Stansted.
Media reports said the Boeing 777 was safely escorted into the Essex airport by two RAF Typhoon jets and landed at about 10.15am.
There have also been reports that residents in Derby heard a “sonic boom” in the area, which may have been the Typhoons heading to intercept the Air India flight.
Stansted said in a statement: “An Air India Boeing 777 diverted into Stansted airport at approximately 10.15 and landed safely with Essex Police in attendance. It is parked on a isolated stand away from the normal airport operations.
“Our runway has now reopened and is fully operational. We are very sorry for any delays and disruption caused by the incident, but our first priority is always the safety of passengers and staff.”
