An Air India flight bound for New York has been taken out of service following a serious ground incident at Delhi's Indira Gandhi International Airport, where one of its engines sucked in a baggage container.
Flight Diverted and Then Damaged on Taxiway
The sequence of events began with Air India Flight AI101, an Airbus A350-900, which was forced to return to Delhi after its original route was blocked by the unexpected closure of Iranian airspace. The aircraft, carrying over 250 passengers and crew, landed safely back at its origin point.
However, the situation escalated while the jet was taxiing. During ground manoeuvres, a baggage loading unit was somehow drawn into the aircraft's right-hand engine, causing significant damage in what is known as a foreign object ingestion event. The incident led to the immediate grounding of the wide-body aircraft for a thorough technical inspection and necessary repairs.
Passenger Safety and Regulatory Probe Launched
Authorities have confirmed that no injuries were reported among passengers or crew members. Air India has stated it is arranging alternative travel plans or offering refunds to all those affected by the disruption to their journey to New York.
In response to the unusual event, India's aviation regulator, the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), has initiated a formal investigation. The primary focus of the inquiry is to determine the precise chain of events that allowed the baggage container to enter the engine's path. Early reports suggest that dense fog at the airport, a common winter hazard in Delhi, may have been a contributing factor, potentially reducing visibility for ground staff.
Broader Context for Aviation Safety
This incident highlights the complex challenges of ground operations at major international hubs. It occurred against a backdrop of wider travel disruption, being reported alongside unrelated incidents such as suspected drone sightings causing delays at London's Heathrow Airport.
The grounding of the advanced Airbus A350 underscores that even modern aircraft are vulnerable to ground-based hazards. The investigation's findings will be crucial for reinforcing safety protocols to prevent similar occurrences in the future, ensuring the security of both passengers and valuable aviation assets.
