Air India plane engine sucks in cargo container, 'substantial damage' reported

While returning back to New Delhi, a US-bound Indian plan ingested a cargo container, authorities revealed on Thursday, January 15.

The Air India A350 aircraft, headed to New York's JFK, turned back to India due to the Iranian airspace closures.

Recommended For You

UAE: DXB maintains its position as busiest international airport in 2025

Dubai tests pooled SUV school transport: What you need to know

UAE welcomes phase two of Gaza peace plan, formation of National Committee

A47 secures $2 million funding to build AI native news platform 

Why private equity in Mena is betting big on AI to drive growth

 

After landing safely on the runway, a cargo container was ingested by the second engine of the aircraft, leading to substantial damage, while the plane was attempting to taxi towards the apron (parking area for the plane) on the taxiway junction.

Stay up to date with the latest news. Follow KT on WhatsApp Channels.

The incident occurred around 5.25am local time, when visibility at Delhi's Indira Gandhi airport was marginal, as per the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA).

The preliminary investigation revealed a BWFS tug transporting few containers to the 'baggage makeup area' of terminal 3 crossed the intersection while on the vehicular lane. During crossing, one of the containers toppled onto the taxiway intersection. This container got ingested into the second engine of the aircraft.

After clearing metal pieces, the aircraft was parked. Further investigation is currently being carried out by the DCGA.

Iran temporarily closed its airspace after heightened tensions with the US and internal unrest, restricting the airspace to only those with special permits. The airspace was closed for nearly five hours overnight on Wednesday, January 14.

India's largest airline, IndiGo said some of its international flights would be impacted by Iran's sudden airspace closure. Air India said its flights were using alternative routes that could result in delays or cancellations.

• India

Laraib Anwer

laraib@khaleejtimes.com

Laraib Anwer is a Digital Journalist who loves the thrill of breaking headlines almost as much as she does unapologetically using GenZ slang. She dreams of a world free of animal cruelty and hopes to tell community stories that make a difference.