Air India aircraft hits baggage container at Delhi airport, engine damaged but all passengers safe

What happened: An Air India Airbus A350 struck a baggage container while being moved for parking at Delhi airport, damaging one engine.

Why it matters now: The incident occurred amid dense fog conditions, raising focus on ground safety during low visibility operations.

What changes for people: Passengers were unharmed, but the aircraft was withdrawn for checks, potentially affecting flight schedules.

Who is affected: Air India, airport ground staff, and travelers facing possible delays.

An Air India wide-body aircraft sustained engine damage after it collided with a baggage container at Indira Gandhi International Airport, New Delhi, during ground movement for parking. The airline confirmed that all passengers and crew were safe, and there were no injuries reported.

What exactly happened

According to airline officials, the incident took place early Thursday morning when the Airbus A350 was being guided to its parking bay. Dense fog reduced visibility at the time. During the maneuver, the aircraft’s engine made contact with a baggage container, resulting in visible damage.

Key outcome: The aircraft was immediately grounded for technical inspection and safety checks.

Safety response and checks

Air India said standard safety procedures were followed, and the aircraft was taken out of service for a detailed assessment. Engineers are examining the engine to determine the extent of the damage and the repairs required before it can return to operations.

Airport authorities also initiated a ground incident review, focusing on vehicle positioning, visibility protocols, and coordination between cockpit crew and ground staff.

Impact on flights and passengers

While there were no injuries, aviation experts note that even minor ground collisions can cause operational disruptions. Some flight delays or aircraft swaps cannot be ruled out as the airline adjusts its fleet availability.

Officials stressed that passenger safety was never compromised and that the incident occurred after landing, not during flight operations.