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A video, possibly recorded by a passenger on board, shows the plane surrounded by ground staff and a damaged engine. According to Hindustan Times report, the right engine of the plane was damaged.
An Air India spokesperson said, “Air India has confirmed that flight AI101 flying from Delhi to New York (JFK) was forced to return to Delhi immediately after takeoff due to unexpected closure of Iranian airspace, affecting its planned route. Upon landing in Delhi, the aircraft encountered a foreign object while taxiing in dense fog, resulting in damage to the right engine.”
A baggage container was swallowed by the engine of an Air India A350 at Delhi airport. pic.twitter.com/AUYsUYn2fa
– BladudX (@BladudX) 15 January 2026
The airline said the aircraft was grounded for inspection and necessary repairs. The spokesperson said this could cause potential disruption on selected A350 routes.
“Air India regrets the inconvenience caused to our passengers and is actively assisting them with alternative travel arrangements and refunds as required. Safety is the utmost priority for Air India and the airline is committed to providing assistance during this time,” the statement said.
The episode comes close on the heels of another incident where an auxiliary power unit (APU) fire alert reportedly forced a Singapore-bound Air India flight to return to the national capital early Thursday.
A Singapore-bound Air India flight carrying around 190 people reportedly returned to Delhi after flying for about an hour.
(edited by : Ajay Vaishnav)
