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New Delhi: Air India’s newly inducted Airbus A350 aircraft (registration VT-JRB), operating flight AI 101 from Delhi to New York, was grounded on Thursday after a series of setbacks that forced the long-haul flight to abort its journey.
The aircraft, carrying over 250 passengers, departed Delhi at 2.36 am but was compelled to return shortly after take-off due to the sudden closure of Iranian airspace, which lay on its planned route. Tracking data shows the flight was flying over Ahmedabad airspace when the diversion decision was taken. The unexpected restriction also led to the cancellation of two other Air India services , Delhi to Newark and Mumbai to New York (JFK).
After landing back at Indira Gandhi International Airport, the aircraft encountered another incident while taxiing to the parking bay in dense fog. An unsecured baggage container on the airside was reportedly drawn into the aircraft’s right engine, causing damage and forcing the airline to ground the jet for inspection and repairs.
The grounding has further strained Air India’s widebody fleet, with one of its six Airbus A350 aircraft now temporarily out of service. The incident has also brought renewed attention to airside safety concerns at Indian airports, where lapses involving unattended equipment or vehicles have previously posed risks to aircraft operations. Such safety measures become even more critical during low-visibility conditions like dense fog.
Confirming the sequence of events, an Air India spokesperson said, “Air India confirms that Flight AI101, operating from Delhi to New York (JFK), was forced to return to Delhi shortly after takeoff due to the unexpected closure of Iranian airspace, which impacted its planned route. Upon landing in Delhi, the aircraft encountered a foreign object while taxiing in dense fog, resulting in damage to the right engine. The aircraft was safely positioned at the designated parking stand, ensuring the safety of all passengers and crew on board.”
“The aircraft is currently grounded for a thorough investigation and necessary repairs, which may cause potential disruptions on select A350 routes. Air India regrets the inconvenience caused to our passengers and is proactively assisting them with alternative travel arrangements and refunds, as preferred. Safety remains the paramount priority for Air India, and the airline is committed to providing support during this time,” the spokesperson added.
