India’s aviation regulator launched an investigation after an Air India aircraft suffered an engine incident in Delhi. The aircraft ingested a cargo container while taxiing after landing. No passengers or crew members suffered injuries. The incident damaged the aircraft’s engine. Air India grounded the jet for technical checks and repairs.
Aircraft returned after sudden airspace restriction
The Airbus A350 was operating a New York-bound flight before it returned to Delhi shortly after take-off. Iran temporarily shut its airspace and forced airlines to alter flight paths. The aircraft landed safely at Delhi airport on Thursday. After landing, it left the runway and taxied toward the parking bay with passengers onboard. Dense fog reduced visibility during taxiing, the regulator said.
There were about 240 passengers onboard at the time of the incident, according to an Air India source. The source could not confirm the precise number of crew members. The crew likely included between six and eight people.
Cargo container dropped during ground handling
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.
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 moved away with the remaining cargo. The fallen container stayed on the taxiway. The aircraft’s right engine then ingested the container.
Regulator secures aircraft and clears debris
The aviation regulator said teams later removed 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 images also showed debris scattered along the taxiway.
Renewed scrutiny on airport ground safety
The incident renewed focus on ground safety at India’s busiest airports. Regulators highlighted serious safety lapses at major airports last June. Inspectors found faded runway markings and training weaknesses. They also identified crew fatigue, maintenance shortcomings, 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 confirmed which routes may face disruption.
