Air India flight from Bengaluru to Delhi reports engine fire indication before making safe landing at Delhi airport

An Air India flight operating from Bengaluru to Delhi experienced an in-flight engine-related incident on Thursday (May 21) after the cockpit crew received a fire indication during the aircraft’s final approach into the national capital.

The airline confirmed that flight AI2802 landed safely at Delhi airport and all passengers and crew members disembarked normally.

Engine fire indication detected mid-flight

In a statement posted on X, Air India said the cockpit crew received a fire warning from one of the aircraft’s engines while approaching Delhi.

“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 airline said.

Despite the alert, the crew followed standard operating procedures and completed a safe landing.

Passengers and crew safe

Air India said there were no injuries and all onboard were safe.

“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 stated.

The airline did not immediately disclose the type of aircraft involved or the number of passengers onboard.

Investigation launched

The airline said it has initiated a detailed investigation into the incident in coordination with aviation regulators.

“Air India is immediately initiating a full investigation into the cause of the incident in coordination with the relevant regulatory authorities,” the carrier said.

The airline added that further verified details would be shared as they become available.

Airline says safety remains top priority

In a separate post on X, Air India reiterated that the aircraft landed safely and said it was working closely with authorities to gather additional information.

“We are currently gathering additional information and are working closely with the relevant authorities,” an Air India spokesperson said in statement.

“The safety of our passengers and crew remains our highest priority,” the airline added.

Air India flight suffers tail strike during landing at Bengaluru Airport

Earlier today, an Air India aircraft carrying 181 passengers suffered a tail strike while landing at Bengaluru airport, prompting the airline to ground the plane for a detailed technical inspection.

The incident involved flight AI2651 operating from Delhi to Bengaluru using an Airbus A321 narrow-body aircraft.

Air India confirmed that the aircraft experienced a tail strike during landing but said the plane landed safely and all passengers and crew members disembarked normally.

No injuries were reported in the incident.

Wake turbulence suspected

According to PTI, which cited a source, the aircraft encountered “wake turbulence” while approaching the runway, leading the pilots to initiate a go-around manoeuvre.

During the manoeuvre, the rear underside of the aircraft reportedly struck the runway.

The source said the wake turbulence may have been caused by a wide-body aircraft taking off nearby.

Specific details about the other aircraft were not immediately known.

What is wake turbulence?

According to the Federal Aviation Administration, wake turbulence is created when an aircraft generates lift, forming two counter-rotating vortices behind it.

These air disturbances can affect nearby aircraft depending on the size of the aircraft generating the vortices, along with the strength, duration and direction of the airflow.

Large wide-body aircraft generally produce stronger wake turbulence that can impact smaller or following aircraft during takeoff and landing phases.

Following the incident, Air India cancelled the return service AI2652 from Bengaluru to Delhi.

The airline said alternative travel arrangements were being made for affected passengers.