India’s aviation regulator has opened an investigation after an Air India aircraft suffered engine damage when it ingested a cargo container while taxiing at Delhi airport. No injuries were reported, but the plane has been grounded for repairs.
The Airbus A350, en route to New York, returned to Delhi shortly after take-off on Thursday due to the temporary closure of Iranian airspace, which forced several airlines to reroute flights.
After landing safely, the aircraft exited the runway and was moving towards the parking bay with passengers still on board when a cargo container was drawn into its right engine. The regulator said visibility was poor at the time because of dense fog.
A source from Air India told the BBC that around 240 passengers were on board during the incident. The number of crew members was not confirmed, but it is believed to have been between six and eight.
India’s Ministry of Civil Aviation said the incident took place at around 05:25 local time on Thursday as the aircraft was taxiing towards the apron area, where planes are parked, loaded and refuelled. The ministry added that the cargo container had fallen onto the taxiway intersection from a ground handling vehicle.
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