An Air India flight (AI 315) arriving from Hong Kong to Delhi caught fire shortly after landing at Indira Gandhi International Airport on Tuesday afternoon. The fire originated in the aircraft’s auxiliary power unit (APU) while the plane was parked at the gate and passengers had begun disembarking.
What Happened?
According to an Air India spokesperson, the APU fire broke out near the tail section of the aircraft. The system automatically shut down the APU as designed, and emergency protocols were activated immediately2.
- All passengers and crew members are safe
- No injuries reported
- Aircraft sustained minor damage
- Plane has been grounded for investigation
- Regulatory authorities have been notified
Timeline of Events:
- Flight AI 315 landed safely at Delhi airport
- Fire broke out during disembarkation
- Emergency response teams extinguished the fire swiftly
- Passengers exited the aircraft without panic or delay
What Is an APU?
The Auxiliary Power Unit (APU) is a small engine located in the aircraft’s tail. It powers onboard systems when the main engines are off. APU fires are rare but can occur due to technical faults or maintenance issues.
Recent Air India Incidents:
This fire adds to a string of technical issues faced by Air India recently:
- A Kolkata-bound flight aborted takeoff due to a technical fault
- A Kochi–Mumbai flight veered off the runway amid heavy rain
Conclusion: While the incident was alarming, swift action by the crew and airport authorities ensured passenger safety. The aircraft remains grounded as experts investigate the cause. The event highlights the importance of robust safety systems in modern aviation.
