New Delhi (January 16, 2026): An Air India aircraft bound for New York narrowly avoided a major accident after its engine sucked in a cargo container during taxiing at Delhi airport, causing damage to the aircraft.
According to international media reports, the incident occurred amid dense fog conditions when an Airbus A350 aircraft was moving on the runway after landing. During taxiing, one of the plane’s engines ingested a ground cargo container, resulting in damage to the right engine.
The affected flight, AI101, was operating from Delhi to New York. However, due to the unexpected closure of Iranian airspace, the aircraft was forced to return to Delhi shortly after takeoff. The incident took place after the plane had safely landed and was taxiing toward the parking area.
An Air India spokesperson confirmed the incident, stating that the flight returned to Delhi as a precautionary measure following airspace restrictions. While taxiing in poor visibility caused by heavy fog, the aircraft came into contact with a foreign object on the runway, leading to engine damage.
The airline said the aircraft was safely parked, and all passengers and crew remained unharmed. Affected passengers were offered alternative flights or full refunds.
Air India has grounded the aircraft for detailed inspection and necessary repairs, warning that the incident may cause temporary disruptions on some A350 routes.
Meanwhile, India’s aviation regulator, the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), has launched a formal investigation to determine how the foreign object ended up on the runway and entered the engine.