A long-haul Air India flight to New York faced an unexpected ground incident at Delhi airport after one of its engines was damaged during taxiing, officials confirmed on Thursday.
The aircraft, an Airbus A350, had earlier returned to Delhi mid-journey due to the sudden closure of Iranian airspace, which disrupted multiple international flights amid rising regional tensions.
Incident Occurred After Safe Landing
According to the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), the aircraft landed safely on Runway 28 at Indira Gandhi International Airport. The damage occurred after landing, while the plane was moving toward the parking bay.
“During taxiing at the N/N4 junction, the aircraft’s No. 2 engine ingested a cargo container, resulting in engine damage,” the aviation regulator said in an official note.
Following the incident, debris was cleared from the taxiway, and the aircraft was parked at Stand 244. A technical investigation has been initiated by the DGCA’s regional safety division.
Airline Confirms Ground-Level Damage
Air India clarified that the engine damage was not related to flight operations and occurred entirely on the ground. The airline attributed the incident to the ingestion of a foreign object during low-visibility conditions caused by dense fog.
“The right engine was affected while taxiing. All safety protocols were followed, and there was no risk to passengers or crew at any point,” the airline said.
No injuries were reported.
Aircraft Grounded for Inspection
The affected aircraft has been grounded pending detailed engineering checks. Air India officials stated that the plane will only return to service after meeting all safety and airworthiness requirements.
Engineering teams are examining the engine and reviewing ground-handling procedures to determine how the cargo container came into the aircraft’s path.
Possible Impact on International Operations
The incident may impact Air India’s international schedule, as the airline currently operates a small fleet of Airbus A350 aircraft. These jets are primarily used on high-demand routes such as New Delhi–New York, New Delhi–Newark, and New Delhi–London.
With one aircraft temporarily out of service, passengers may experience delays, rescheduling, or cancellations on select long-haul routes. Air India has advised travelers to stay updated on flight status.
Background: Flight AI101
Flight AI101 had departed Delhi for New York before being forced to return due to Iranian airspace restrictions imposed amid ongoing unrest in the region. The aircraft completed the return safely, and all onboard safety procedures were followed.
The DGCA has confirmed that a detailed investigation is underway to prevent similar incidents in the future.
