New Delhi – The Directorate General of Civil Aviation has launched a comprehensive investigation into a freak Air India plane Delhi accident that occurred at Indira Gandhi International Airport on Thursday morning. The incident involved an Air India Airbus A350 aircraft whose engine suffered substantial damage after ingesting an unattended cargo container while taxiing in dense fog conditions.
The Air India plane Delhi accident took place at approximately 5:25 am on January 16, 2026, after the aircraft, operating as Flight AI101 on the Delhi-New York route, had returned to the Delhi airport following Iran’s unexpected closure of its airspace. The incident has raised serious questions about ground safety protocols at one of India’s busiest airports.
Details of the Incident
According to the DGCA’s official statement, the Air India plane Delhi accident occurred at the taxiway N/N4 intersection when the aircraft’s second engine ingested a cargo container, causing substantial damage. The aviation regulator revealed that visibility at the time was marginal, contributing to the severity of the situation.
The preliminary investigation into the Air India plane Delhi accident has revealed that a BWFS tug was transporting several containers to the Baggage Makeup Area of Terminal 3 when it crossed the intersection while on the vehicular lane. During this movement, one of the containers toppled onto the taxiway intersection, placing it directly in the path of the taxiing aircraft.
The DGCA statement specified: “While taxiing to apron, at taxiway N/N4 intersection, No. 2 engine ingested a cargo container causing substantial damage to engine. The incident occurred around 05:25 IST.”
Background: Iran Airspace Closure Forces Return
The Air India plane Delhi accident occurred under unusual circumstances. Flight AI101 had originally departed from Delhi at 2 am on Thursday, bound for New York’s JFK Airport. However, shortly after takeoff, Iran unexpectedly closed its airspace, forcing the aircraft to return to Delhi airport.
An Air India spokesperson confirmed: “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.”
The aircraft landed safely following the airspace closure, but the Air India plane Delhi accident occurred during the subsequent taxiing phase as it was being directed to the apron area.
DGCA’s Preliminary Findings
The DGCA’s investigation into the Air India plane Delhi accident has focused on multiple factors, including the marginal visibility conditions caused by dense fog that blanketed Delhi on Thursday morning. These weather conditions significantly impaired visibility for both ground crew and pilots.
After the container was ingested into the engine, airport authorities worked to clear metal pieces from the affected area. Following this cleanup operation, the damaged aircraft was parked on stand 244 for a thorough assessment of the damage.
The Air India plane Delhi accident highlights potential gaps in ground operations coordination, particularly during low-visibility conditions. The investigation will likely examine whether proper protocols were followed by ground handling staff and whether adequate communication systems were in place.
Impact on Air India Operations
The Air India plane Delhi accident has significant operational implications for the airline. The affected Airbus A350 aircraft is currently grounded pending a complete investigation and necessary repairs. Air India has warned passengers that this incident may cause disruptions on select A350 routes.
An Air India spokesperson stated: “The aircraft is currently grounded for a thorough investigation and necessary repairs, which may cause potential disruptions on select A350 routes.”
Air India currently operates six A350 aircraft serving multiple international destinations including Dubai, Singapore, London, New York, and Newark. The grounding of one aircraft from this limited fleet could strain the airline’s capacity on these premium long-haul routes.
Passenger Assistance and Alternative Arrangements
Following the Air India plane Delhi accident, the airline has taken steps to assist affected passengers. According to the Air India spokesperson, the airline is providing alternative travel arrangements and offering refunds to passengers based on their preferences.
The incident affected all passengers aboard Flight AI101 who had already experienced an initial disruption due to the Iran airspace closure. The additional delay caused by the Air India plane Delhi accident compounded their travel challenges.
Safety Concerns and Future Implications
The Air India plane Delhi accident raises important questions about airport ground safety procedures, especially during adverse weather conditions. The incident demonstrates how a seemingly minor lapse in ground operations can result in significant aircraft damage and operational disruptions.
Aviation experts will closely monitor the DGCA’s investigation findings to determine whether systemic changes are needed in ground handling procedures at Indian airports. The Air India plane Delhi accident serves as a reminder of the critical importance of coordination between various airport stakeholders, including ground handling agencies, air traffic control, and airline operations teams.
The investigation is expected to examine whether existing safety protocols were adequate and properly implemented, particularly given the challenging visibility conditions prevailing at the time of the incident. The final report will likely include recommendations to prevent similar incidents in the future, ensuring that the lessons learned from this Air India plane Delhi accident strengthen aviation safety standards across Indian airports.
