Air India faced two separate flight incidents on Thursday, including an engine fire alert on a Bengaluru-Delhi flight and a tail-strike incident involving another aircraft landing in Bengaluru, prompting investigations and emergency action.
Air India confirmed that Flight AI2802, operating from Bengaluru to Delhi, triggered a "full emergency" at Indira Gandhi International Airport after the cockpit crew received a fire indication from one of the aircraft's engines during final approach.
"During the aircraft's final approach into Delhi, the cockpit crew received a fire indication from one of the engines. The indication was subsequently confirmed as true. The crew followed all standard operating procedures and landed the aircraft safely at Delhi airport. All passengers and crew are safe and have disembarked normally," the airline said in a statement.
The airline added that it is gathering further information and working closely with relevant authorities.
In a separate incident earlier in the day, Air India flight AI2651 from Delhi to Bengaluru suffered a tail-strike during landing at Kempegowda International Airport. The aircraft, carrying 179 people, landed safely and all passengers and crew disembarked without injuries.
Following the incident, the aircraft was grounded for detailed inspection, leading to the cancellation of the return flight AI2652 from Bengaluru to Delhi. Air India said alternative arrangements were being made for affected passengers.
The Directorate General of Civil Aviation has launched an investigation into the tail-strike incident, with officials examining the circumstances surrounding the landing and the possible cause.
The developments come as scrutiny over aviation safety remains high following the deadly crash of Air India Flight AI171 in Ahmedabad last year, which claimed 260 lives.
Meanwhile, Civil Aviation Minister Ram Mohan Naidu said the investigation into the AI171 crash is in its final stages and could be completed within a month. He said the probe, being conducted by the Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau, would remain transparent and subject to international scrutiny due to the involvement of foreign nationals onboard the ill-fated flight.
