Air India A350 Engine Damaged After Ingesting Baggage Container at Delhi Airport

An Air India Airbus A350 aircraft suffered engine damage on January 15 after ingesting a baggage container while taxiing at Indira Gandhi International Airport in Delhi. The incident involved Flight AI101, which was operating on the Delhi to New York route, and occurred during dense fog conditions at the airport.

Incident Details and Circumstances

The engine damage occurred after the aircraft had already experienced operational disruptions earlier in its journey. According to Air India's official statement, Flight AI101 was forced to return to Delhi shortly after takeoff due to the unexpected closure of Iranian airspace, which significantly impacted the flight's planned route to John F. Kennedy Airport in New York.

Incident Parameter:	Details
Flight Number:	AI101
Route:	Delhi to New York (JFK)
Aircraft Type:	Airbus A350
Date:	January 15
Affected Engine:	Right engine
Weather Conditions:	Dense fog

Upon landing back in Delhi, the aircraft encountered the foreign object while taxiing in the dense fog conditions that were prevailing at the airport. Video footage, reportedly recorded by a passenger on board, captured the aftermath of the incident, showing the plane surrounded by ground staff with the damaged right engine clearly visible.

Airline Response and Passenger Impact

Air India immediately grounded the affected aircraft for comprehensive investigation and necessary repairs. The airline acknowledged that this incident may cause potential disruptions to select A350 routes, though specific details about the extent and duration of these disruptions were not provided.

The airline has taken proactive measures to minimize passenger inconvenience by offering alternative travel arrangements and refunds based on passenger preferences. In their official statement, Air India emphasized that "safety remains the paramount priority for Air India, and the airline is committed to providing support during this time."

Recent Safety Incidents Pattern

This baggage container ingestion incident represents the second notable Air India safety event in quick succession. Earlier on the same day, another Air India flight bound for Singapore, carrying approximately 190 passengers, was forced to return to Delhi after being airborne for about an hour due to an Auxiliary Power Unit fire warning.

Recent Incidents:	Details
Incident 1:	A350 engine damage from baggage container
Incident 2:	Singapore flight APU fire warning
Passengers Affected (Flight 2):	Approximately 190
Flight Duration Before Return:	About 1 hour

Both incidents highlight the operational challenges airlines face, particularly regarding ground operations safety and aircraft systems reliability. The close timing of these events underscores the importance of rigorous safety protocols and equipment handling procedures at major airports like Delhi's Indira Gandhi International Airport.

Air India, IndiGo and SpiceJet issued travel advisories on January 15 following Iran's decision to close its airspace amid escalating tensions with the US. The three major Indian airlines warned passengers of potential flight disruptions as they implement alternative routing for affected flights.

Impact on Flight Operations

The airlines confirmed that alternative routing requirements could lead to significant operational challenges:

Impact Area:	Details
Flight Delays:	Alternative routing causing extended travel times
Cancellations:	Some flights cancelled where rerouting not possible
Affected Routes:	International flights overflying Iran region
Passenger Action:	Check flight status before airport departure

All three carriers emphasized that the disruption was beyond their control and expressed regret for the inconvenience caused to passengers due to the unforeseen situation.

Airline-Specific Responses

Air India issued a comprehensive advisory stating that flights overflying the region are now using alternative routing, which may lead to delays. The airline noted that some flights where rerouting is currently not possible are being cancelled. Air India requested passengers to check flight status on their website before heading to the airport, emphasizing that safety of passengers and crew remains their top priority.

IndiGo provided similar guidance while offering additional passenger support options. The airline's teams are working to assess the situation and support affected customers by offering the best possible alternatives. IndiGo has encouraged passengers to visit their website to explore flexible rebooking options or claim refunds based on their preference.

SpiceJet posted on social media platform X, advising passengers that some flights may be affected due to the airspace closure. The airline directed passengers to check flight status on their website or contact their 24x7 reservation helpline numbers for assistance.

Passenger Support Measures

The airlines have implemented various support measures for affected travelers:

Flight status checking through airline websites
24x7 helpline numbers for passenger assistance
Flexible rebooking options (IndiGo)
Refund options for cancelled flights (IndiGo)
Regular updates on evolving situation

Regional Context

Iran extended an order on January 15 closing its airspace to commercial aircraft without explanation as tensions remain high with the US, according to news agency reports. The airspace closure has forced airlines to reassess their routing strategies for international flights that previously used Iranian airspace as part of their flight paths.

The airlines continue to monitor the situation closely and have committed to keeping passengers informed as developments unfold. All carriers emphasized their commitment to passenger and crew safety while working to minimize disruption to travel plans during this challenging period.