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Investigation launched after Air India plane hits cargo container
India's aviation regulator has opened an inquiry after an Air India Airbus A350 ingested a cargo container into its right engine while taxiing at Delhi's Indira Gandhi International Airport on Thursday.
Incident details
The aircraft, bound for New York, had returned to Delhi shortly after takeoff after Iran temporarily closed its airspace, forcing a reroute. Upon landing, the plane was taxiing toward its parking bay with approximately 240 passengers and six to eight crew members on board when the container was sucked into the engine.
The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) reported that visibility was poor due to dense fog at the time of the incident, which occurred at 05:25 local time (23:55 GMT Wednesday).
How the container ended up on the taxiway
The cargo container fell from a ground vehicle after a wheel detached from a cart being towed by an airport luggage transporter, according to the Ministry of Civil Aviation. The vehicle operator noticed the approaching aircraft and drove away, leaving the fallen container behind.
"The container was left behind and subsequently ingested into the No. 2 engine of the aircraft," an Air India spokesperson said.
Air India
Aftermath and safety concerns
No injuries were reported, but the engine sustained significant damage, as shown in photos shared by the DGCA on X (formerly Twitter). The images depict debris on the taxiway and damage to the engine casing and fan blades. The aircraft was towed to a designated stand for repairs and has been grounded.
The incident has raised concerns about ground safety at India's airports. In June 2025, the DGCA highlighted multiple safety lapses, including faded runway markings, inadequate maintenance, and crew fatigue, across major Indian airports and airlines.
Impact on Air India operations
Air India has warned of potential disruptions on select A350 routes while the aircraft undergoes repairs. The airline operates six Airbus A350s on long-haul flights, including services to London and New York, though it has not specified which routes may be affected.
The DGCA has initiated a detailed investigation into the incident.
