India’s aviation regulator launched an investigation after an Air India aircraft suffered engine damage in Delhi. The aircraft ingested a cargo container while taxiing after landing. No passengers or crew members reported injuries. The incident damaged the right engine. Air India grounded the aircraft for inspection and repairs.
Fog and airspace closure shaped the flight’s return
The Airbus A350 was flying to New York before it returned to Delhi shortly after take-off. Iran temporarily closed its airspace and forced airlines to reroute flights. The aircraft landed safely at Delhi airport on Thursday. After landing, it exited the runway and taxied toward the parking bay with passengers onboard. Dense fog reduced visibility during taxiing, the aviation regulator said.
There were about 240 passengers onboard during the incident, according to an Air India source. The source could not confirm the exact number of crew members. The crew likely numbered between six and eight people.
Ground vehicle failure left container on taxiway
India’s civil aviation ministry said the incident occurred around 05:25 local time on Thursday. The aircraft was taxiing toward the apron used for parking and servicing. A cargo container accidentally fell from a ground handling vehicle. The container landed at a taxiway intersection used by aircraft movements.
An Air India spokesperson said a wheel detached from a cart being towed by a cargo vehicle. The wheel failure caused the container to fall onto the taxiway. The vehicle operator noticed the approaching aircraft and removed the remaining cargo. The fallen container stayed on the taxiway. The aircraft’s right engine then ingested the container.
Aircraft secured as authorities begin detailed probe
The aviation regulator said teams later cleared metal debris from the taxiway. Authorities towed the aircraft to a designated parking stand. The regulator confirmed it opened a detailed investigation into the incident. Images released by officials showed damage to the engine casing and fan blades. The photos also showed debris scattered across the taxiway surface.
Incident sharpens focus on airport ground safety
The incident increased scrutiny of ground safety at India’s busiest airports. Regulators highlighted serious safety lapses at major airports last June. Inspectors found faded runway markings and training shortcomings. They also identified crew fatigue, maintenance gaps, and unauthorized cockpit access.
Air India warned of potential disruptions on selected A350 routes during repairs. The airline operates six Airbus A350 aircraft on long-haul services. These services include routes to London and New York. The airline has not specified which routes may face disruption.
