DGCA Explains How Air India Airbus A350 ‘Ingested’ Cargo Container at Delhi Airport – 1 Engine Damaged After Iran Airspace Closure

DGCA explains how an Air India aircraft ingested a cargo container at Delhi airport after returning due to Iran airspace closure. Read full details

Aviation regulator Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has issued a detailed clarification explaining how an Air India aircraft “ingested” a cargo container at Delhi’s Indira Gandhi International (IGI) Airport, causing engine damage after the flight was forced to return due to the sudden closure of Iranian airspace. The incident, which has raised serious questions about airport ground safety and coordination, occurred after the aircraft landed safely and was taxiing at the airport.

According to DGCA officials, the incident did not occur mid-air but during ground movement, and there was no threat to passenger safety. However, the unusual nature of the mishap has drawn widespread attention, especially at a time when global aviation routes are facing disruptions due to geopolitical tensions in West Asia.

The Air India aircraft, operating a long-haul international service, was forced to turn back to Delhi after Iranian airspace was abruptly shut down amid escalating regional tensions. Several international airlines were compelled to reroute or return flights as a precautionary measure, leading to congestion at major hubs, including Delhi.

After receiving clearance, the Air India plane landed safely at IGI Airport. Passengers disembarked normally, and the aircraft was scheduled for routine post-landing procedures before further operational decisions could be taken by the airline.

It was during this phase—while the aircraft was taxiing on the ground—that the incident involving the cargo container took place.

In aviation terminology, “ingestion” refers to a foreign object being sucked into an aircraft engine. DGCA clarified that during taxi operations, a cargo container used for baggage or freight handling was present in close proximity to the aircraft’s engine intake area.

Due to a combination of factors, including engine suction at low power settings and insufficient clearance between the aircraft and ground equipment, the cargo container was drawn towards the engine. This resulted in partial ingestion, causing damage to the engine components.

The regulator emphasized that the incident occurred at low speed, and standard safety protocols ensured that the situation was immediately brought under control.

DGCA categorically stated that there were no injuries to passengers, crew members, or ground staff. The aircraft had already completed its flight and was no longer carrying passengers at the time of the incident.

Air India officials confirmed that all passengers were accommodated as per standard airline procedures, including rebooking on alternate flights or providing necessary assistance. The airline also assured passengers that safety remains its top priority.

Following the incident, the affected aircraft was immediately grounded for a detailed technical inspection. Engineers conducted a thorough assessment of the engine to determine the extent of the damage caused by the cargo container.

DGCA said that the aircraft will only return to service after all necessary repairs are completed and airworthiness clearance is granted. The regulator also confirmed that such inspections follow stringent global aviation safety standards.

The incident has brought renewed attention to ground handling operations at busy airports like Delhi IGI, one of the world’s busiest aviation hubs. With multiple flights returning, diverting, or rescheduling due to international airspace closures, ground congestion increases significantly, heightening operational risks.

DGCA noted that preliminary findings suggest lapses in ground equipment positioning and coordination between airport authorities, ground handling agencies, and airline staff. While the investigation is ongoing, officials indicated that corrective measures will be implemented swiftly.

The aviation watchdog has launched a comprehensive investigation to determine the exact sequence of events leading to the cargo container ingestion. The probe will examine:

Placement and securing of ground equipment
Compliance with standard operating procedures
Communication between cockpit crew and ground staff
Visibility conditions at the time of the incident
Role of ground handling personnel

DGCA has sought detailed reports from Air India, the airport operator, and the ground handling agency involved.

The incident occurred against the backdrop of heightened geopolitical instability in the Middle East, particularly involving Iran. The closure of Iranian airspace forced multiple airlines to alter routes, leading to longer flight durations, increased fuel consumption, and unplanned returns.

Aviation experts say that sudden airspace closures place enormous pressure on airlines and airports, often resulting in logistical challenges on the ground. While safety protocols are designed to manage such situations, the margin for error narrows during periods of disruption.

Air India, in an official statement, acknowledged the incident and said it is cooperating fully with DGCA and airport authorities. The airline reiterated that the safety of passengers and crew remains paramount and that no compromise will be made in adhering to regulatory requirements.

The airline also said it is reviewing its ground handling coordination to prevent similar incidents in the future.

Aviation analysts believe that while engine ingestion incidents on the ground are rare, they highlight the importance of strict adherence to safety zones around aircraft engines.

Experts point out that modern aircraft engines generate significant suction even at idle power, making it essential for ground equipment to be positioned well beyond designated safety distances.

They also stress the need for continuous training of ground handling staff, especially during periods of operational stress caused by diversions and airspace restrictions.

The incident serves as a reminder of the complex ecosystem that supports safe flight operations. While pilots and aircraft systems often receive the most attention, ground operations play an equally critical role in aviation safety.

DGCA is expected to issue additional advisories to airlines and airport operators, reinforcing guidelines related to ground safety, equipment movement, and coordination during irregular operations.

As the investigation continues, DGCA will determine whether regulatory action, penalties, or procedural changes are required. Depending on the findings, stricter monitoring of ground handling agencies may be introduced.

For now, officials maintain that the incident was isolated and handled as per safety norms, with no risk posed to passengers or airport operations at large.

DGCA Explains How Air India Airbus A350 ‘Ingested’ Cargo Container at Delhi Airport – 1 Engine Damaged After Iran Airspace Closure