Air India has issued a warning regarding potential disruptions to its long-haul routes following an incident involving one of its Airbus A350 aircraft. The airline reported that the aircraft suffered engine damage after returning to New Delhi on January 15, 2026, due to contact with a foreign object on the taxiway.
The affected aircraft, an Airbus A350-900, was operating a flight destined for New York but was forced to turn back after Iran temporarily closed its airspace amid regional tensions. The incident happened shortly after landing, with damage confirmed by photos released by India’s Directorate General of Civil Aviation.
The regulator revealed that a stray cargo container, which had fallen from a ground vehicle, was responsible for the damage. Investigations are ongoing to determine how the container ended up on the taxiway and whether safety procedures were followed. The airline has grounded the aircraft for repairs, warning that some routes may face delays or cancellations as a result.
Air India operates six Airbus A350 aircraft on major international routes from its New Delhi hub, including flights to London, New York, and Newark. The airline also operates older Boeing aircraft on similar routes. Winter fog is common in Delhi, often causing operational disruptions, and the closure of Iranian airspace further affected airline schedules. No timeline has been provided for the aircraft's return to service, but safety investigations continue.
