An Air India aircraft bound for the United States was forced to turn back to Delhi on Thursday after a sudden route disruption and subsequent engine damage, raising fresh operational concerns. The Air India flight to New York, operating as AI101 to JFK airport, returned shortly after take-off due to the unexpected closure of Iranian airspace, which affected its planned flight path.
According to the airline, the aircraft landed safely in Delhi but encountered a foreign object while taxiing amid dense fog conditions at the airport. The object struck the aircraft’s right engine, causing visible damage on the ground and leading to the grounding of the aircraft. The incident brought the journey of the Air India flight to New York to an abrupt halt.
Videos shared on social media, reportedly recorded by passengers on board, showed the aircraft stationed on the tarmac and surrounded by ground staff. The damaged engine area was clearly visible as engineers inspected the aircraft.
Aircraft Grounded, Passengers Assisted
In an official statement, Air India confirmed that all passengers and crew remained safe throughout the incident. The aircraft was moved to a designated parking bay and has been grounded for a detailed investigation and necessary repairs. The airline warned that the grounding may lead to temporary disruptions on select Airbus A350 routes.
Air India added that passengers affected by the Air India flight to New York disruption are being proactively assisted with alternative travel arrangements or offered refunds, depending on individual preferences. “Safety remains the paramount priority for Air India,” the spokesperson said, while apologising for the inconvenience caused.
Comes After Recent Engine-Related Turnback
The latest incident follows closely after another engine-related issue involving the airline last month. On December 22, an Air India flight from Delhi to Mumbai was forced to return mid-air after the flight crew observed low engine oil pressure during flap retraction shortly after take-off.
The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) later confirmed that the oil pressure in the right-hand engine dropped to zero, prompting the crew to shut down the engine as per standard procedures. The aircraft, a Boeing 777 carrying around 355 passengers, landed safely back in Delhi.
While the two incidents are unrelated, aviation observers say repeated technical disruptions involving the Air India flight to New York and domestic routes highlight the importance of strict ground safety checks and engine monitoring, especially during adverse weather conditions.
FAQs
Q: Why did the Air India flight to New York return to Delhi?
A: The flight returned due to the sudden closure of Iranian airspace, which disrupted its planned route.
Q: What caused engine damage to the Air India flight to New York?
A: The engine was damaged after the aircraft struck a foreign object while taxiing in dense fog after landing.
Q: Were passengers safe during the Air India flight to New York incident?
A: Yes, all passengers and crew remained safe, and the aircraft was parked securely for inspection.
Q: Has Air India faced similar engine issues recently?
A: Yes, a separate engine oil pressure issue forced an Air India Delhi–Mumbai flight to return mid-air in December.
