An Air India aircraft suffered damage to one of its engines after it sucked a baggage container at Delhi Airport, on Thursday. The incident happened when the Airbus A350 was operating in dense fog on the airport taxiway, confirmed the airline.
Flight AI101, which was operating between Delhi and New York, returned to Delhi due to route disruptions caused by the closure of Iranian airspace, and after the plane had landed in Delhi, its engine got damaged.
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Airline's statement
"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. Upon landing in Delhi, the aircraft encountered a foreign object while taxiing in dense fog, resulting in damage to the right engine," said an Air India spokesperson.
Plane grounded
The spokesperson added that the aircraft was safely positioned to a designated parking stand, ensuring safety of all the passengers and crew members onboard. Additionally, the plane has been grounded for detailed investigation and necessary repairs, the spokesperson informed.
This may lead to potential disruptions on select A350 routes, the spokesperson stated further.
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"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 statement added.
The Directorate of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has initiated investigation into the case and is trying to find out how a foreign object got lodged inside the engine.
