Highlights:
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Air India Flight AI101 to New York grounded after engine damage
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Engine ingested a baggage container while taxiing at Delhi airport
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No injuries reported among passengers or crew
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DGCA launches investigation into ground handling procedures
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Disruption linked to Iranian airspace closure amid unrest
An Air India flight bound for New York was grounded at Indira Gandhi International Airport in Delhi after one of its engines sustained damage during taxiing, the airline confirmed on Thursday. The incident occurred after the aircraft had already been forced to return to Delhi shortly after departure because of the sudden closure of Iranian airspace.
The flight, operating as Air India Flight AI101, was scheduled to travel from Delhi to John F. Kennedy International Airport in New York. The aircraft involved was an Airbus A350 carrying more than 250 passengers.
According to the airline, the aircraft encountered a foreign object on the ground while taxiing under low-visibility conditions, leading to damage to its right engine. No injuries were reported, and all passengers and crew were safely evacuated and assisted.
Air India Confirms Return Due to Iranian Airspace Closure
The Air India aircraft had initially departed Delhi as scheduled. However, the flight was forced to return shortly after takeoff due to external geopolitical developments that affected its planned route.
“Air India confirms that Flight AI101, operating from Delhi to New York (JFK), was forced to return to Delhi shortly after takeoff due to the unexpected closure of Iranian airspace, which impacted its planned route,” an Air India spokesperson said.
Iranian authorities closed their airspace earlier this week as unrest intensified across the country. The sudden decision disrupted westbound international flights, particularly long-haul services between India and North America that rely on Iranian airspace as a key transit corridor.
Several airlines were compelled to reroute flights or return to their departure points as a result of the closure, which increased fuel requirements and complicated operational planning.
Air India Engine Damage Occurs During Taxiing in Dense Fog
After landing safely back in Delhi, the Air India aircraft sustained damage while taxiing toward the parking stand.
“Upon landing in Delhi, the aircraft encountered a foreign object while taxiing in dense fog, resulting in damage to the right engine,” the Air India spokesperson said.
The foreign object was identified as a baggage container. Aviation experts note that aircraft engines, even at low taxiing speeds, generate significant suction that can draw in unsecured ground equipment. Such incidents often require extensive inspections before the aircraft can be cleared to return to service.
Dense fog conditions were present at the airport at the time, which may have reduced visibility for ground crews and contributed to the incident.
Air India Passengers Rebooked or Offered Refunds
Following the incident, Air India confirmed that the aircraft was moved to a designated parking stand and grounded for further inspection. Engineers are carrying out detailed checks to assess the extent of the damage and determine the repair timeline.
The grounding of the Airbus A350 may affect some Air India long-haul routes that rely on the aircraft type. The airline said it is working to minimize disruptions for travelers.
“Air India regrets the inconvenience caused to our passengers and is proactively assisting them with alternative travel arrangements and refunds, as preferred. Safety remains the paramount priority for Air India, and the airline is committed to providing support during this time,” the spokesperson added.
Passengers on Flight AI101 were offered rebooking on alternate services or full refunds, depending on their preferences.
DGCA Launches Investigation Into Air India Incident
India’s aviation regulator, the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), has launched an investigation into the incident involving the Air India aircraft. The inquiry will focus on how the baggage container came to be in the taxiway and whether established ground handling and safety protocols were followed.
Foreign object ingestion incidents are taken seriously by aviation authorities due to the potential safety risks involved. Investigators are expected to examine airport operations, coordination between ground staff, and visibility-related challenges at the time of the incident.
Air India Disruption Highlights Impact of Iranian Airspace Closure
The grounding of the Air India New York flight underscores the wider operational challenges airlines face due to the closure of Iranian airspace. Iran serves as a major aerial corridor for flights traveling between South Asia, Europe, and North America.
The unrest in Iran began with protests over rising living costs and has escalated into one of the most serious challenges to the country’s leadership since the 1979 Islamic Revolution. The U.S.-based Human Rights Activists News Agency (HRANA) has verified at least 2,435 protesters and 153 government-affiliated individuals killed in the ongoing unrest. U.S. President Donald Trump has repeatedly threatened intervention on behalf of demonstrators as Tehran has intensified crackdowns.
As airlines reassess flight paths and fuel planning, further schedule adjustments and cancellations remain possible in the coming weeks.
Air India Focuses on Safety and Operational Recovery
As inspections continue, Air India said it remains focused on maintaining safety standards while working to restore normal operations. The airline is coordinating with regulators, airport authorities, and passengers to manage the impact of the disruption.
The incident highlights how external geopolitical developments and on-ground operational challenges can intersect, affecting international air travel. Aviation officials and airlines are expected to closely monitor developments in the region as they plan future flight operations.
