An Air India Airbus A350 aircraft suffered significant damage to one of its engines after it ingested a baggage container at Delhi Airport. The incident occurred in dense fog as the plane was taxiing after returning from a diverted flight to New York. All passengers and crew remained safe, but the aircraft is now grounded for investigation and repairs.
Key Takeaways
- Air India Flight AI101 to New York experienced engine damage.
- A baggage container was sucked into the right engine.
- The incident happened during taxiing in dense fog at Delhi Airport.
- The flight had returned to Delhi due to Iranian airspace closure.
- The aircraft is grounded, potentially causing route disruptions.
Incident Details Unfold in Delhi Fog
The event took place in the early hours at Delhi's Indira Gandhi International Airport. Flight AI101, an Airbus A350, was initially bound for New York (JFK). However, the flight was forced to turn back to Delhi shortly after departure. The reason for the return was an unexpected closure of Iranian airspace, which affected its planned route over the region.
Upon its safe landing back in Delhi, the aircraft was taxiing towards its designated parking stand. It was during this maneuver, amidst thick fog, that the right engine encountered a foreign object. This object was later identified as a baggage container. The engine ingested the container, causing immediate damage.
Incident Snapshot
- Aircraft Type: Airbus A350
- Flight Number: AI101
- Route: Delhi to New York (diverted)
- Location of Incident: Delhi Airport during taxiing
- Cause of Damage: Ingestion of a baggage container
Safety Ensured for Passengers and Crew
Despite the damage to the engine, Air India confirmed that the aircraft was safely brought to its parking position. The airline emphasized that the safety of all passengers and crew on board was maintained throughout the incident. No injuries were reported.
An Air India spokesperson released a statement regarding the event.
"Air India confirms that Flight AI101, operating from Delhi to New York (JFK), was forced to return to Delhi shortly after takeoff due to the unexpected closure of Iranian airspace, which impacted its planned route. Upon landing in Delhi, the aircraft encountered a foreign object while taxiing in dense fog, resulting in damage to the right engine."
The airline stated that safety remains their top priority. They are working to minimize the impact on affected travelers.
Investigation Underway and Potential Disruptions
Following the incident, the damaged Airbus A350 aircraft has been grounded. It will undergo a thorough investigation by aviation authorities. Necessary repairs will also be carried out to ensure its airworthiness.
The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has launched an official probe into the matter. Investigators are working to determine how the baggage container came to be in the aircraft's path during taxiing. The presence of dense fog at the time is a key factor being examined.
Airspace Closures and Flight Diversions
Unexpected airspace closures, such as the one over Iran, can significantly impact flight operations. Airlines must quickly reroute flights, which often leads to longer travel times or, as in this case, a return to the origin airport. This highlights the complex logistical challenges airlines face in managing global air traffic.
Air India has warned that the grounding of the A350 aircraft may lead to potential disruptions on select routes. The airline is actively assisting passengers affected by these changes. This includes offering alternative travel arrangements and processing refunds as preferred by the customers.
Passengers traveling on Air India A350 routes are advised to check for updates from the airline. This incident underscores the importance of ground safety procedures, especially in challenging weather conditions like dense fog. The investigation will aim to prevent similar occurrences in the future.
