On December 13, 2024, an Air India Boeing 787 Dreamliner, operating flight AI113 from Delhi (DEL) to Birmingham (BHX), encountered a significant operational issue upon landing. The aircraft, registered as VT-ANN, became stuck on the runway at Birmingham Airport due to a hydraulic leak from its front landing gear, leading to a temporary halt in airport operations. The incident unfolded around 5:42 PM local time when the plane landed on runway 15. The leak was detected shortly after the aircraft touched down, prompting an immediate response from emergency services and airport staff. The runway was closed to facilitate the safe handling of the situation, causing disruptions for other scheduled flights.
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The hydraulic system, essential for steering, braking, and other critical aircraft functions, had malfunctioned, leading to oil leakage from the nose gear. This not only immobilized the aircraft but also posed a potential safety risk on the runway. The airport's fire service and maintenance teams were dispatched to manage the spill and ensure no further hazards developed. Air India confirmed that there were no injuries among the 256 passengers and 17 crew members on board. The airline took swift action to manage the situation, arranging for the passengers to be transported to the terminal via buses. The passengers were then provided with refreshments and updates regarding their travel plans.
The aircraft remained on the ground at Birmingham Airport, with recovery operations focusing on safely towing it back to a maintenance area. This process was complicated by the need to ensure the aircraft's compromised hydraulic systems did not lead to further issues during movement. The cleanup of hydraulic fluid from the runway also took time, as such substances can be slippery and hazardous. The incident led to the cancellation of the return flight from Birmingham to Amritsar (ATQ), which was scheduled to operate with the same aircraft. Air India worked quickly to rebook affected passengers on alternative flights, offering apologies for the inconvenience.
Birmingham Airport managed the situation by rerouting incoming flights to other airports like East Midlands (EMA) or Manchester (MAN), while departures were held back or diverted. The runway was cleared and reopened for operations by 10:00 PM, although the impact on the evening's flight schedule was significant. This event adds to a series of challenges Air India has faced with its fleet, including previous incidents involving technical issues. The airline is expected to conduct a thorough investigation into the cause of the hydraulic failure, possibly reviewing maintenance logs and operational procedures. The Air India Boeing 787, known for its efficiency and passenger comfort, has been a key part of the airline's fleet since its introduction but requires meticulous maintenance to ensure continued reliability.