Air India A350 Engine Ingests Cargo Container at Delhi Airport: What is FOD?

The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has launched a probe into a serious ground incident. An Air India Airbus A350-900 aircraft, registration VT-JRB, sustained substantial engine damage. The incident occurred at Delhi’s Indira Gandhi International Airport (IGI) on January 15, 2026.

Incident Overview and Timeline

The aircraft was operating Flight AI101 from Delhi to New York (JFK). The flight initially took off but was forced to return. This was due to the unexpected closure of Iranian airspace.

After landing safely on Runway 28, the aircraft taxied toward the apron. Around 05:25 IST, while moving through the taxiway N/N4 junction, the No. 2 engine ingested a cargo container. Visibility was marginal due to dense fog at the time.

Preliminary DGCA findings indicate the container toppled. It fell from a ground handling tug operated by BWFS. The tug was transporting containers to the Terminal 3 Baggage Makeup Area. The loose container was then sucked into the powerful Rolls-Royce Trent XWB engine.

The Cost of Foreign Object Damage (FOD)

This type of event is classified as Foreign Object Damage (FOD). FOD is a major concern for global aviation safety. It involves any loose item damaging aircraft or personnel. The ingestion of a large object like a cargo container causes severe internal damage. This necessitates a costly and lengthy engine shop visit.

The Trent XWB is the exclusive engine for the Airbus A350 family. It is a highly advanced, high-bypass turbofan. Repairing or replacing such a complex engine is extremely expensive. This incident represents a significant financial loss for the airline.

Operational Impact and Regulatory Focus

The aircraft, VT-JRB, has been grounded for detailed inspection and repairs. This incident creates a major operational challenge for Air India. The airline currently operates a small, limited fleet of only six A350 aircraft. The loss of one widebody jet increases the risk of schedule disruptions. This affects long-haul routes to destinations like New York and London.

The DGCA investigation will focus on ground handling protocols. The role of low visibility in the incident is critical. Dense fog conditions require strict adherence to specialized low-visibility operating procedures. These procedures cover both aircraft movement and ground support equipment (GSE) operations.

This event highlights the need for rigorous aviation safety standards in India. The DGCA recently issued new Civil Aviation Requirements (CAR) in July 2024. These rules mandate safety clearance and detailed operational manuals for Ground Handling Service Providers (GHSPs). The goal is to prevent and mitigate ground incidents.

• The DGCA probe will assess compliance with ground handling safety protocols.
• The incident underscores the high risk of FOD on busy airport aprons and taxiways.
• Air India is assisting passengers with alternative travel arrangements and refunds.

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