An Air India plane arriving from Hong Kong caught fire shortly after landing at Delhi’s Indira Gandhi International Airport. Thankfully, all passengers and crew members were safe, and there was no injury reported. However, the aircraft did suffer some damage and is now grounded while officials investigate the cause.
The fire started in the plane’s auxiliary power unit (APU)—a small backup system that helps provide electrical power when the main engines are turned off. According to an Air India spokesperson, the fire broke out soon after Flight AI 315 touched down and was parked at the gate for passengers to disembark.
“The APU shut itself down automatically after detecting the fire, as it was meant to,” the spokesperson said. This quick automatic shutdown helped prevent the fire from spreading further.
Passengers were safely and calmly evacuated from the aircraft without any panic. The airline confirmed that nobody was hurt during the incident. However, the plane has been taken out of service until safety officials complete their investigations. Authorities, including the aviation regulator, have been formally informed about the fire.
Another Air India Flight Aborts Takeoff at Delhi Airport
On the very same day, another Air India flight, this time bound for Kolkata from Delhi, had to abort takeoff due to a technical problem noticed during the takeoff roll.
Flight AI 2403 was carrying 160 passengers. When the pilots spotted an issue, they immediately followed safety protocol and decided to stop the plane before it left the runway.
All passengers were safely evacuated from the aircraft without incident. After careful technical checks, the problem was resolved, and the flight was able to depart for Kolkata later that evening.
Safety First: Quick Action and No Injuries
Both incidents show how Air India prioritized passenger safety above all else. Quick responses from pilots, crew, and ground teams ensured that no one was harmed in either case.
The airline and aviation authorities are investigating these events thoroughly to understand what went wrong and how to prevent such issues in the future.
What Is the Auxiliary Power Unit (APU)?
For those who wonder, the auxiliary power unit is a small engine on the airplane that powers electrical systems when the main engines aren’t running—like during boarding or while the plane is at the gate. It’s an important safety and support feature, but like any mechanical system, it can sometimes face technical problems.
The two Air India events highlight the importance of strict safety protocols in aviation. Modern airplanes are designed with multiple safety layers so that even if something goes wrong, passengers stay protected.
Airlines and aviation authorities regularly update and improve their safety measures. Instances like these show the system works well when emergencies happen—everyone knows what to do, and no one gets hurt. Always remember, behind every flight is a team working hard to protect you.