Overview
- Flight AI101 to New York returned when Iranian airspace closed, then ingested a container while taxiing in fog at the N/N4 junction around 05:25 IST.
- The DGCA reported substantial damage to the No. 2 right engine and said the aircraft was moved to stand 244 after metal debris was cleared.
- Preliminary findings indicate a container dolly lost a wheel, the container fell onto the taxiway, and it was left in place as the aircraft taxied past.
- The aircraft, registered VT-JRB, is grounded for inspection and repairs as Air India warns of possible disruptions to select A350 long‑haul routes and assists passengers with rebooking or refunds.
- Images and video show visible engine damage as the DGCA’s Deputy Air Safety Officer (Northern Region) leads the investigation, and other Air India services faced delays or cancellations due to the Iran routing closure.