Air India AI101 Returns to Delhi After Iranian Airspace Closure, Engine Damaged by Container
Air India AI101 Returns to Delhi After Iranian Airspace Closure, Engine Damaged by Container
Air India flight AI101 from Delhi to New York returns after Iranian airspace closure; an unsecured ground container damages the engine, leading to grounding and route disruptions.
Air India’s Delhi–New York flight AI101 swung back to Delhi minutes after takeoff when the crew reported the Iranian airspace was closed to overflights, forcing an early return at 5:25 am.
On the ground, a separate scare unfolded as a ground-handling container toppled onto the taxiway when a container dolly wheel came off. An unattended container near Bay 242 was left in the path as an Air India aircraft was taxiing, and it was sucked into the right engine.
The aircraft was safely parked, and officials said the incident caused damage to the engine and the plane is now grounded for a thorough investigation and necessary repairs. Passengers are being helped with refunds or rebooking as preferred, and the airline warned some A350 routes could face disruptions.
Air India operates six Airbus A350s to Dubai, Singapore, London, New York and Newark, and the incident could ripple through those services until repairs are completed.
Authorities confirmed the root cause involved ground handling equipment moving near the parking area designated Bay 242; the gear incident led to the container accident and subsequent engine ingestion.
Safety remains the paramount priority for Air India, and the airline says it will cooperate with authorities as the investigation continues.
