New Delhi: A frightening incident unfolded at Delhi’s IGI Airport on Thursday morning when Air India Flight AI-101, en route from Delhi to New York, had to return due to the closure of Iranian airspace. During taxiing, a small cargo container was sucked into one of the powerful engines of the Airbus A-350 wide-body aircraft. Miraculously, no fire broke out, and all 300 passengers and crew members escaped unharmed. The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has ordered a detailed investigation.
The Incident
The flight, carrying around 300 passengers and crew, had taken off early on January 15. Due to the unexpected closure of Iranian airspace, it was recalled to Delhi. While taxiing on the runway (Runway-28) and moving towards taxiway N/N4IR INDIA, the aircraft’s Engine No.2 drew in a cargo container, causing significant engine damage, including the breaking of some fan blades. Dense fog at the time added to the potential risk.
Cause Under Investigation
Preliminary inquiries suggest that the container originated from a trolley belonging to BWFS, a ground handling service, near area BE-242, which is normally used by Air Mauritius for parking ground support equipment. The trolley, loaded with luggage containers, overturned on the taxiway as the aircraft approached. Investigators are now determining how the luggage ended up on the taxiway and whether any negligence occurred.
The damaged engine has been moved to Stand No.244, and further technical inspections are underway to ensure aircraft safety.
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