Air India A350 suffers engine damage at Delhi Airport after baggage container ingestion
Aircraft had earlier returned to Delhi shortly after departure due to sudden closure of Iranian airspace
PTC Web Desk: An Air India Airbus A350 aircraft sustained damage to one of its engines at Indira Gandhi International Airport on Thursday morning after a baggage container was ingested during taxiing, the airline confirmed.
The incident involved Flight AI101, scheduled to operate from Delhi to New York (JFK). The aircraft had earlier returned to Delhi shortly after departure due to the sudden closure of Iranian airspace, which disrupted its planned flight route.
According to Air India, the engine damage occurred after the aircraft landed back in Delhi. While taxiing in low visibility caused by dense fog, the aircraft came into contact with a foreign object, later identified as a baggage container, leading to damage to the right engine.
An Air India spokesperson said the aircraft was immediately and safely moved to a designated parking bay. “At all times, the safety of passengers and crew was ensured. There were no injuries reported,” the airline said in a statement.
The aircraft has since been grounded for detailed inspection and repairs, and the airline has cautioned that the incident may result in temporary disruptions on certain Airbus A350 routes.
Air India stated that it is actively assisting affected passengers by offering alternative travel options or refunds, depending on individual preferences. “We regret the inconvenience caused and are making every effort to minimise the impact on our passengers. Safety continues to be our highest priority,” the airline added.
Meanwhile, the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has initiated an investigation into the incident. The aviation regulator is examining how a foreign object came onto the taxiway and was ingested by the aircraft engine.