Loose Wheel and Dense Fog Led to Air India A350 Engine Damage at Delhi Airport.

ByUjjwal Sukhwani•January 16, 2026 at 12:43 PM•3 min read

SAFETY

Loose Wheel and Dense Fog Led to Air India A350 Engine Damage at Delhi Airport.

Air India's newest Airbus A350 sustained substantial engine damage at Delhi's IGIA after ingesting a cargo container that toppled from a ground-handling tug in dense fog, prompting a DGCA probe.

Key Points

1The incident occurred on January 15, 2026, involving Air India Flight AI101 (Delhi-New York) after it returned due to Iranian airspace closure.
2Engine No. 2 (Rolls-Royce Trent XWB) ingested a cargo container that toppled onto the taxiway from a ground-handling tug due to a loose wheel.
3The DGCA launched a detailed investigation into the ground handling equipment failure and operations in marginal visibility (100-200m).
4The grounded Airbus A350-900 (VT-JRB) sustained substantial damage and is expected to cause disruptions to Air India's long-haul A350 fleet operations.

The Air India Airbus A350 engine damage incident at Delhi airport has triggered a high-level investigation. The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) is probing the unusual ground occurrence. The event happened in the early morning of January 15, 2026, at Indira Gandhi International Airport (IGIA). This incident highlights critical issues in ground handling equipment failure and airside safety procedures.

The Chain of Events

The aircraft involved was an Airbus A350-900, registered VT-JRB. It was operating Air India Flight AI101 bound for New York (JFK). The jet had already returned to Delhi after the unexpected closure of Iranian airspace. While taxiing to the apron, the jet encountered a foreign object on the taxiway.

The preliminary DGCA investigation points to a ground handling equipment failure. A tug operated by Bird Worldwide Flight Services (BWFS) was transporting containers. A single loose wheel reportedly detached from a container dolly. This caused a cargo container toppled onto the taxiway intersection (N/N4). The aircraft’s right-hand Engine No. 2 subsequently ingested the fallen container. Visibility was marginal at the time due to dense fog, reportedly between 100-200 meters. No injuries were reported among the more than 250 passengers and crew.

Regulatory and Operational Impact

The ingestion caused substantial damage to the Rolls-Royce Trent XWB powerplant. This type of event is known in the industry as Foreign Object Damage (FOD). The DGCA's air safety division has launched a detailed probe. The investigation focuses on ground handling protocols and maintenance compliance. The regulator is seeking to understand the entire chain of events.

The Air India A350-900 has been grounded for thorough inspection and repairs. This grounding of VT-JRB is significant for the carrier. Air India currently operates a limited fleet of A350s. The incident will likely cause disruptions on select A350 routes to destinations like New York and London. The airline is assisting affected travelers with alternative arrangements and refunds.

Aviation Safety Context

The Delhi airport FOD incident underscores the importance of strict airside housekeeping. Foreign object ingestion can lead to engine failure, classifying it as a serious safety occurrence. The incident highlights the compounded risk of ground operations during marginal visibility conditions.

The DGCA investigation ground handling will determine if the mishap was an isolated event.
It will also review if it points to broader gaps in equipment maintenance and safety regimes.
Airport operators must maintain clear taxiways, especially in dense fog.

The findings will likely lead to reinforced safety procedures for all ground service providers.

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