Air India has launched an internal investigation after two separate aircraft incidents involving the airline were reported within 24 hours, intensifying concerns around operational safety at India’s national carrier.
In the latest incident, Air India flight AI2802 made an emergency landing at Delhi Airport after pilots received a fire warning linked to one of the aircraft’s engines during the flight.
The Airbus A320, carrying 171 passengers from Bengaluru to Delhi on Thursday night, landed safely under emergency procedures. Airport authorities quickly evacuated passengers after touchdown, while emergency response teams were placed on standby.
No injuries or casualties were reported.
According to the airline, the cockpit crew received an engine fire alert during the journey. Air India later confirmed that a full technical investigation had been launched in coordination with aviation regulators to determine what triggered the warning.
“The safety of passengers and crew remains our top priority,” the airline said in a statement, adding that the aircraft has been grounded for inspection.
The emergency landing came shortly after another Air India aircraft was involved in a separate safety-related incident at Bengaluru airport.
An Airbus A321 arriving from Delhi reportedly experienced a tailstrike during landing. A tailstrike occurs when the rear underside of an aircraft comes into contact with the runway during takeoff or landing.
Despite the impact, pilots safely landed the aircraft and all passengers disembarked normally. The plane was later withdrawn from service pending inspection.
The two incidents have renewed scrutiny over Air India’s safety procedures and maintenance standards, particularly following last year’s deadly Boeing 787 Dreamliner crash that killed 241 of the 242 people on board.
India’s aviation authorities are expected to review preliminary findings from both incidents as investigations continue.