An Air India long-haul flight was forced to return to Delhi after a sudden closure of Iranian airspace disrupted its planned westbound route, culminating in an unusual ground incident that damaged the aircraft’s engine. Flight AI101, operated by one of Air India’s Airbus A350-900 jets (registration VT-JRB) and bound for New York’s JFK Airport, departed Indira Gandhi International Airport (IGI) early on Thursday but had to turn back shortly after take-off when the Iranian airspace, a key corridor for transatlantic flights, was unexpectedly shut down due to regional tensions.
After safely landing back at Delhi’s Runway 28 amid dense fog, the aircraft suffered additional misfortune while taxiing toward its designated parking bay. According to preliminary reports by India’s Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) and airline statements, one of the plane’s engines ingested a loose cargo container that had toppled onto the taxiway from ground handling equipment. The powerful suction of the jet engine drew the container into the right engine, causing significant damage and necessitating an immediate grounding of the aircraft for inspection and repair.
No injuries were reported among the more than 250 passengers on board. Air India has begun assisting affected passengers with alternative travel arrangements and refunds, while the DGCA has launched a probe into how the cargo container came to obstruct the taxiway. The incident adds to operational challenges for the carrier, as one of its newest A350 aircraft is now out of service, potentially impacting several long-haul routes in the coming days news as reported.
