Air India is facing scrutiny after a cargo container entered one of its Airbus A350 engines while taxiing at Delhi’s Indira Gandhi International Airport. The incident caused engine damage but, fortunately, no passengers or crew were injured.
The New York-bound flight had returned to Delhi shortly after takeoff because Iran temporarily closed its airspace. After landing safely, the plane was taxiing toward the parking area. Visibility was poor due to dense fog at the time, according to India’s aviation authorities.
Approximately 240 passengers were on board, with an estimated six to eight crew members. The Ministry of Civil Aviation said the incident occurred at around 05:25 local time while the aircraft was moving toward the apron.
Officials explained that the container had fallen from a ground handling cart after a wheel detached. The vehicle operator noticed the incoming aircraft and moved away with the remaining cargo.
Photos released by the DGCA show visible damage to the engine casing and fan blades, along with metal fragments on the taxiway. The incident has raised renewed concerns about ground safety at India’s busiest airports. Last year, DGCA inspections highlighted issues such as worn runway markings, crew fatigue, inadequate maintenance, and gaps in training.
Air India warned that some long haul flights operated by its Airbus A350 fleet may experience disruptions while the damaged plane remains out of service. The airline currently has six A350 aircraft flying international routes, including London and New York, though affected flights have not yet been specified.
