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

An Air India A350 operating a Delhi-New York flight sustained engine damage after ingesting an improperly secured cargo container while taxiing in dense fog at Delhi airport. The aircraft, which had returned due to unexpected Iranian airspace closure, suffered damage to its right engine. No injuries were reported, but the aircraft is grounded for repairs. The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) is investigating how the container ended up on the taxiway, causing substantial damage.

Air India's newest Airbus A350, Flight AI101 from Delhi to New York with over 250 passengers, suffered significant right engine damage at Delhi airport. The incident occurred while the aircraft was taxiing in dense fog to its parking bay after returning to Delhi due to the unexpected closure of Iranian airspace. During taxiing, the engine ingested an improperly secured baggage container, causing substantial damage. Fortunately, no one was injured. The aircraft, one of Air India's six A350s, has been grounded for thorough investigation and repairs, exacerbating the airline's wide-body aircraft shortage. The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has launched a probe into the incident. Preliminary findings indicate a BWFS (Bird Worldwide Flight Services) tug was transporting containers when one toppled onto the taxiway and was subsequently ingested by the aircraft's No. 2 engine. The incident underscores potential lapses in ground handling protocols, given that jet engines exert immense suction, especially at low speeds. The article also details the broader impact of Iranian airspace closure on long-haul flights, forcing carriers like Air India to implement extended detours and face increased operational costs and scheduling challenges. Air India confirmed the incident, regretted the inconvenience, and is assisting affected passengers with alternative arrangements and refunds.