- By Priyanka Koul
- Thu, 15 Jan 2026 09:49 PM (IST)
- Source:JND
An Air India A350 aircraft operating between Delhi and New York suffered damage to its right engine after it sucked in a cargo container at Delhi airport amid dense fog on Thursday morning. The airline said the aircraft has been grounded for a thorough investigation, and there could be potential disruptions on select routes operated by A350 aircraft.
The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has launched a probe into the incident to ascertain how a foreign object got lodged inside the engine.
The airline confirmed that Flight AI101, operating from Delhi to New York (JFK), was forced to return to Delhi shortly after take-off due to the unexpected closure of Iranian airspace, which affected 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.
— DGCA (@DGCAIndia) January 15, 2026
"The aircraft was safely positioned to the designated parking stand, ensuring the safety of all passengers and crew on board," Air India said in a statement.
According to a news agency PTI citing sources, after landing, the aircraft’s right engine sucked in a cargo container, causing significant damage to the engine.
(Image credits: DGCA )
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(Image credits: DGCA )
A civil aviation ministry spokesperson said the aircraft landed safely at Runway 28 and while taxiing to the apron area, at taxiway N/N4 junction, the right engine ingested a cargo container, causing substantial damage to the engine.
"The incident occurred around 05:25 IST. As per the information, the visibility at the time of the incident was marginal. The preliminary investigation has revealed that a BWFS tug transporting a few containers to the Baggage Makeup Area of Terminal 3 crossed this intersection while on the vehicular lane.
"During crossing, one of the containers toppled onto the taxiway intersection. This container got ingested in the No. 2 engine of Air India A350 aircraft," the spokesperson said.
After clearing metal pieces, the spokesperson said, the aircraft was parked on stand 244.
The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) is probing the incident.
Regretting the inconvenience caused to passengers, the airline said it is proactively assisting them with alternative travel arrangements and refunds, as preferred.
( With PTI Inputs )