Air India A350 Engine Damaged After Ingesting Cargo Container at Delhi Airport
An Air India A350 aircraft experienced significant engine damage on Thursday. The incident occurred at Delhi's Indira Gandhi International Airport. The wide-body plane sucked in a cargo container while taxiing after landing.
Flight Return and Subsequent Damage
The aircraft, operating as Flight AI101 from Delhi to New York's JFK Airport, initially took off but had to return to Delhi. This return happened due to the unexpected closure of Iranian airspace. The closure impacted the planned flight route significantly.
After landing back in Delhi, the plane was taxiing amid dense fog conditions. During this taxiing process, the right engine encountered a foreign object. This object was later identified as a cargo container. The ingestion resulted in clear damage to the engine. The aircraft has now been grounded for a thorough investigation by authorities.
Airline Statement and Passenger Assistance
Air India, owned by the Tata Group, confirmed the incident through an official statement. The airline explained the sequence of events clearly. They stated the flight returned because of the Iranian airspace closure affecting its route.
The airline emphasized that the aircraft was safely positioned to a designated parking stand. This action ensured the safety of all passengers and crew members on board. No injuries were reported from the incident.
Air India expressed regret over the inconvenience caused to passengers. The airline is proactively assisting affected travelers. They are providing alternative travel arrangements and processing refunds based on passenger preferences.
Operational Impact and Broader Disruptions
The grounding of the A350 aircraft may cause disruptions on select Air India routes. The plane is out of operation while the investigation proceeds. This could affect some flights until a replacement aircraft is arranged.
Separately, the closure of Iranian airspace has caused wider flight cancellations. Both Air India and IndiGo cancelled several overseas flights on Thursday. Air India flights to the United States and Europe faced impacts. IndiGo services to CIS countries, Europe, and Turkey were also affected.
SpiceJet joined other airlines in issuing advisories about potential impacts. The airspace closure continues to affect flight operations across multiple carriers. Travelers should check with airlines for the latest updates on their flights.
The incident highlights operational challenges during adverse weather and geopolitical events. Aviation authorities will likely review safety protocols at Delhi airport. The investigation into the engine damage is ongoing.
