An Air India aircraft caught fire shortly after landing at Indira Gandhi International (IGI) Airport, New Delhi, on Monday, causing panic among passengers and raising fresh concerns over aircraft safety.
🔥 Fire in Landing Gear Detected Moments After Touchdown
The fire was detected in the rear landing gear section just after the aircraft touched down at Terminal 3. Airport fire and rescue teams responded immediately, extinguishing the blaze within minutes. Preliminary reports suggest overheating or hydraulic leakage could be the cause.
🧑✈️ Crew Executes Emergency Evacuation
The flight crew initiated emergency evacuation procedures as smoke was observed from the rear. All passengers and crew were safely evacuated, with no reported injuries or hospitalizations. The aircraft was moved to a remote bay for further inspection.
✈️ Flight Details Withheld, Investigation Underway
The specific flight number and origin have not been officially disclosed as of this report. Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has launched a full investigation into the cause of the fire. Air India engineers and safety experts are also conducting an internal probe.
👁️🗨️ Passenger Eyewitness Account
One of the passengers described the moment as “terrifying,” saying, “We smelled burning rubber, and the cabin crew told us to evacuate immediately. It all happened so fast, but we’re thankful to be safe.”
🛫 Recent Pattern Raises Alarm
This is the second Air India incident in less than two months, prompting aviation experts to call for a comprehensive safety audit of the national carrier’s fleet. In a separate incident in June, an Air India plane reported hydraulic failure mid-air.
🔧 Maintenance and Safety Measures Being Reviewed
Authorities at Delhi airport confirmed that all emergency protocols were followed, and the runway used for landing was temporarily closed for inspection. Operations have since resumed. The Ministry of Civil Aviation has been briefed.
📉 Public Concern Over Air India Safety Record
Though no casualties were reported, frequent mechanical incidents have led to rising public concern over Air India’s operational safety. Aviation watchdogs are now under pressure to review maintenance records, crew training, and aircraft age across the fleet.
