Delhi, January 16 - An Air India Airbus A350 operating flight AI101 from Delhi to New York, on January 15, 2026, encountered a significant incident at Indira Gandhi International Airport. The aircraft, registered VT-JRB, was forced to return shortly after takeoff due to the unexpected closure of Iranian airspace, which disrupted its planned transatlantic route. After a safe landing on runway 28 amid dense fog that reduced visibility to marginal levels, the plane began taxiing toward the apron when its right engine ingested a stray cargo container, resulting in substantial damage to the powerplant.
The foreign object debris incident occurred at the intersection of taxiways N and N4, where an improperly secured baggage container had toppled onto the taxiway surface. Preliminary reports indicate that a wheel failure on the ground handling equipment contributed to the container becoming dislodged and positioned in the path of the taxiing aircraft. Passenger videos captured the moment the engine accelerated before flames briefly erupted as the container was drawn in, underscoring the severity of the foreign object ingestion event. Fortunately, no injuries were reported among the more than 250 passengers and crew on board.
Air India promptly confirmed the engine damage and stated that the aircraft is now grounded for necessary inspections and repairs. The airline emphasized that the right engine sustained the impact from the foreign object encountered during taxiing in heavy fog conditions. This event has temporarily reduced the carrier's available Airbus A350 fleet, potentially leading to disruptions on long-haul routes such as Delhi-New York services, as the airline manages its widebody operations.
The occurrence highlights the persistent challenges of maintaining airside safety at major Indian airports, particularly during periods of low visibility when ground handling risks increase. Aviation authorities, including the Directorate General of Civil Aviation, have initiated a formal investigation to determine the exact sequence of events and prevent similar foreign object debris incidents in the future. Such episodes serve as a reminder of the critical importance of rigorous ground procedures to protect high-value aircraft engines from unexpected hazards.