On Thursday, an Air India Airbus A350 aircraft bound for New York suffered significant engine damage after a cargo container was sucked into its right engine while taxiing at Delhi’s Indira Gandhi International Airport. The incident, which occurred amid dense fog, has led to a probe by India’s Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), though no injuries were reported among the 240 passengers and crew on board.
The flight, AI101, had initially taken off from Delhi but was forced to return shortly after due to the unexpected closure of Iranian airspace, which disrupted its planned route to JFK Airport. After landing safely, the aircraft was taxiing to the parking bay when the cargo container, which had fallen from a ground vehicle, was ingested into the engine. Visibility was marginal at the time, with fog reducing ground visibility, complicating the taxiing process.
According to authorities, the container fell after a wheel came off a cart being towed by a luggage vehicle. The vehicle operator noticed the taxiing aircraft and left the area, but the detached container remained on the taxiway and was drawn into the engine. Metal debris was later cleared from the scene, and the aircraft was towed to a designated stand for inspection.
The DGCA has launched a detailed investigation into the incident, examining factors such as ground safety procedures and the role of adverse weather conditions. Photos shared by the regulator show damage to the engine casing and fan blades, highlighting the severity of the ingestion. This event adds to ongoing scrutiny of ground safety at India’s busy airports, following a DGCA report last year that flagged significant lapses including faded runway markings and crew fatigue.
Air India, owned by the Tata Group, confirmed the incident and stated that the aircraft has been grounded for repairs. The airline is proactively assisting affected passengers with alternative travel arrangements and refunds. However, the grounding of the A350 may cause disruptions on select long-haul routes, as Air India operates six such aircraft on services to destinations like London and New York.
The incident underscores broader challenges in Indian aviation, where rapid growth has sometimes outpaced safety infrastructure. In June, the DGCA identified multiple safety violations across major airports and airlines, raising concerns about maintenance and operational standards. Dense fog, a common winter issue in northern India, further exacerbates risks by impairing visibility during ground movements.
Looking ahead, the investigation will likely focus on preventing similar occurrences by improving ground handling protocols and equipment maintenance. Air India has warned of potential service interruptions, but has not specified which routes might be affected. The airline’s response and the DGCA’s findings will be closely watched by industry stakeholders and regulatory bodies.
In conclusion, this engine ingestion incident at Delhi airport highlights critical safety vulnerabilities in aviation ground operations, especially under adverse weather conditions. While no one was harmed, it serves as a reminder of the need for stringent safety measures and continuous oversight to ensure passenger safety in India’s expanding aviation sector.
