Overview
- Flight AI101 from Delhi to New York returned after an unexpected Iranian airspace closure and landed safely on Runway 28 around 05:25 IST.
- While taxiing at the N/N4 intersection, the aircraft’s No. 2 engine ingested a cargo container, causing substantial damage; the jet was towed to stand 244 and all onboard were safe.
- DGCA’s preliminary findings cite a BWFS tug whose dolly reportedly lost a wheel, leading a container to fall onto the taxiway and be left behind; DAS (Northern Region) is investigating and debris was cleared.
- The Airbus A350 registered VT-JRB is grounded for inspection and repairs, with Air India warning of potential disruptions on select A350 routes and offering rebooking or refunds.
- Operational knock-ons included cancellations of other long-haul services tied to the airspace closure, and officials noted low visibility at Delhi as a factor in the ground incident.