An Air India aircraft experienced significant engine damage early Thursday morning at Delhi's Indira Gandhi International Airport. The incident occurred when the engine sucked in a cargo container while the plane was taxiing towards its parking bay.
Flight Returns Due to Airspace Closure
The Airbus A350 aircraft was operating as Flight AI 101 bound for New York. Shortly after takeoff, the flight had to return to Delhi. This return was necessary because Iran announced a sudden temporary closure of its airspace.
The airspace shutdown came amid escalating tensions between Washington and Tehran. Flight tracking data shows the aircraft departed IGIA at 3:13 AM and was cruising over Gujarat when the closure took effect.
Container Incident During Taxiing
The aircraft landed safely on Runway 28 around 5:25 AM. As it was moving towards the parking bay, the right engine ingested a cargo container that had fallen onto the taxiway.
According to the Ministry of Civil Aviation, visibility was marginal at the time due to dense fog. The preliminary investigation reveals important details about how the container ended up on the taxiway.
A Bird Worldwide Flight Services tug was transporting containers to the Baggage Makeup Area of Terminal 3. The tug crossed an intersection while on the vehicular lane when one of the containers toppled onto the taxiway intersection.
Safety Measures and Investigation
Air India confirmed all passengers remained safe throughout both incidents. The airline stated the aircraft encountered a foreign object while taxiing after landing. This encounter resulted in damage to the right engine.
The aircraft was safely positioned at the designated parking stand. Crew members ensured the safety of all passengers and crew on board. Metal debris from the incident was later cleared from the taxiway.
The Directorate General of Civil Aviation has initiated a detailed investigation into the entire incident. Officials will examine all aspects of what occurred.
Operational Impact and Company Details
Air India has grounded the aircraft for thorough inspection and necessary repairs. This grounding may cause disruptions on select A350 routes in the coming days.
Bird Worldwide Flight Services handles operations like ground handling and cargo management at approximately six major Indian airports. The company's equipment operator noticed the Air India aircraft taxiing in.
The operator vacated the spot with remaining dollies and containers. However, they left behind the container that had fallen onto the taxiway. Sources indicate one wheel of the container dolly came off, causing the container to topple.
Broader Context of Airspace Closure
Iran's sudden airspace closure affected multiple flights beyond this incident. Sources confirm three Air India flights faced impacts due to the shutdown.
The temporary closure created operational challenges for airlines flying through the region. Aviation authorities continue to monitor the situation closely.
This incident highlights the complex challenges facing aviation operations during geopolitical tensions and adverse weather conditions.
