Air India has grounded one of its Airbus A350 aircraft after its right engine was damaged by a cargo container at Delhi airport, an incident that occurred amid dense fog early Thursday and may disrupt select long-haul operations.
Double Crisis
The aircraft registered, operating flight AI101 from New Delhi to New York (JFK), had returned to Delhi shortly after departure due to the sudden closure of Iranian airspace, which affected its planned route. After landing safely, the aircraft suffered engine damage while taxiing to the apron.
“Air India confirms that Flight AI101, operating from Delhi to New York (JFK), was forced to return to Delhi shortly after take-off due to the unexpected closure of Iranian airspace. Upon landing, the aircraft encountered a foreign object while taxiing in dense fog, resulting in damage to the right engine.” according to the airline
The aircraft was safely positioned at its designated parking stand, and there were no injuries to passengers or crew. Air India said it has grounded the aircraft for a detailed investigation and necessary repairs, warning of possible disruptions on some routes operated with the A350 fleet. The airline added that it is assisting affected passengers with alternative travel arrangements and refunds, as per preference.
In a statement, the aviation regulator, the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), said the incident occurred at around 05:25 IST after the aircraft landed on Runway 28 at Delhi airport. According to the regulator, visibility at the time was marginal.
Operational Impact
The statement further said that said a tug was transporting baggage containers to the baggage make-up area at Terminal 3 and crossed the taxiway N/N4 intersection on a vehicular lane. During the crossing, one container reportedly toppled onto the taxiway and was subsequently ingested by the aircraft’s No.2 engine. After debris was cleared, the aircraft was moved to parking stand 244. The DGCA said a further investigation is under way to determine the sequence of events and assess compliance with airside safety procedures.
The Airbus A350 aircraft involved, registered as VT-JRB, is part of Air India’s new-generation wide-body fleet deployed on long-haul international routes, including services to the United States.