A Delhi-Bengaluru Air India flight with 179 passengers on board encountered a tailstrike while landing on May 21. Bengaluru-bound AI2651 was also grounded for "detailed inspection". The aircraft’s return journey to Delhi has been cancelled.
Air India said that all passengers on board were safe. As per the airline, passengers and crew disembarked normally.
"The incident will be investigated in accordance with established procedures, in coordination with the relevant regulatory authorities," Air India said.
During takeoff or landing, if the airframe at the rear end of the flight happens to touch the runway, it is called a tailstrike. Following this, the flight is checked for structural issues.
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In March, Air India's Boeing 787-8 aircraft flying from Bengaluru to London Heathrow was diverted to Jeddah due to a technical issue after being airborne for over six hours.
In a statement, an airline spokesperson said the plane made a precautionary diversion. "Air India Flight AI133, operating from Bengaluru (BLR) to London Heathrow (LHR) on 23 March, made a precautionary en route diversion to Jeddah following a suspected technical issue. The aircraft landed safely at Jeddah Airport at 1958 hrs IST, and all passengers and crew are confirmed safe," the spokesperson said.
Information available on the flight tracking website Flightradar24.com showed that the aircraft was airborne for more than six hours.