New Delhi, 15 Jan (.) Air India officials on Thursday confirmed damage to one of the aircraft’s engines caused by the engulfment of a cargo-container after Flight AI101, operating from Delhi to New York (JFK), was forced to return to Delhi shortly after takeoff due to unexpected closure of Iranian airspace.
In a statement the airline said Air India A350 aircraft VT-JRB, operating from Delhi to New York, landed safely at Runway 28 of Delhi’s Indira Gandhi International Airport following the closure of Iranian airspace.
Post-landing, the aircraft met with an accident at 5:25 am on Thursday while taxiing from the runway to the tarmac/apron. The incident took place because of low visibility over Palam area.
“ A substantial damage to engine no 2 was caused as it ingested a cargo container during taxy to the apron,” said the airline in a statement.
Elaborating, the airline said preliminary investigation revealed that the Bird Worldwide Flight Services (BWFS) cargo tractor, which was transporting a few containers to the Baggage makeup area of Terminal 3, passed the 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 the Air India A350 aircraft,” said the airline spokesperson. Further investigation is being conducted by the DGCA, the statement added.
The authorities noted that following the protocol, the aircraft was safely positioned at the designated parking stand, ensuring safety of all passengers and crew on board.
The aircraft is currently grounded for a thorough investigation and necessary repairs, the airline spokesperson said. Air India officials have indicated that the safety and integrity of the aircraft will be prioritised before any future operations.
Following the damage, select routes on the A350 are likely to be disrupted, the airline authorities noted, owing to the investigation and repair process.
Currently, Air India operates six Airbus A350s on lucrative routes, including between India’s capital, New Delhi, and London, New York, and Newark.
. MBJ RB 1845