A potentially dangerous situation unfolded at Indira Gandhi International Airport when an Air India flight from Hong Kong experienced a fire in its rear section shortly after landing. Fortunately, all passengers and crew members were safely evacuated without any injuries.
Incident Overview: APU Fire Sparks Emergency
The incident occurred when Flight AI 315, an Airbus A321, arrived from Hong Kong and was taxiing to the gate in Delhi. As passengers began to disembark, a fire erupted in the auxiliary power unit (APU) — a small engine located in the tail section of the aircraft that provides power when the main engines are off.
Though the situation was tense, the APU automatically shut down as per safety protocols. Crew members reacted swiftly and ensured an orderly evacuation of passengers. No injuries were reported.
What is the APU and Why It Matters
The auxiliary power unit (APU) is essential during ground operations, powering systems such as air conditioning, lighting, and engine startup. It is typically mounted at the rear of the aircraft. A malfunction or fire in this unit can be hazardous, especially when passengers are still onboard.
The aircraft’s safety system functioned correctly by immediately cutting power to the unit when the fire was detected.
Air India’s Official Response
Air India confirmed the fire and stated that the aircraft was grounded immediately for inspection. According to their statement:
“There was some damage to the aircraft; however, all passengers and crew deplaned safely. A technical inspection is underway.”
The airline also notified the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) and launched an internal probe into the incident.
Possible Cause and Investigation
Preliminary indications suggest the fire may have been caused by a technical issue or lapse in APU maintenance. DGCA officials, along with airline engineers, are reviewing:
- Maintenance records of the APU
- Any recent complaints or unusual observations in flight logs
- Functional performance data of the aircraft’s systems
A complete investigation is ongoing to determine the root cause.
Passenger Reactions
While there were no injuries, some passengers reported hearing a loud noise from the tail area shortly after the aircraft stopped at the gate. Smoke was reportedly seen, leading to a quick but calm response by the cabin crew. The situation caused brief panic but was managed professionally.
A Pattern of Recent Incidents
This is not the only troubling incident involving Air India in recent weeks. Within the last 48 hours, the airline has seen multiple safety-related issues:
- Runway Skid in Mumbai (July 21): An Air India aircraft skidded off the runway during a rain-soaked landing, damaging its engine and tires.
- Fatal Crash in Ahmedabad (June 12): Flight AI 171 crashed shortly after takeoff, tragically killing all 260 people onboard. Investigations suggest engine fuel switches were incorrectly set to “cutoff,” causing a complete loss of thrust.
These back-to-back incidents have raised concerns over Air India’s maintenance standards and safety protocols.
Safety Protocols and Regulatory Oversight
Despite these incidents, aviation experts emphasize that Indian aviation safety mechanisms are robust. The APU fire incident, while serious, was managed correctly through automation and crew training. However, the DGCA is expected to increase audits and checks on Air India’s fleet.
What’s Next for Air India
Air India has grounded the affected Airbus A321 and will conduct:
- A detailed inspection of the APU
- Review of recent maintenance procedures
- Staff retraining, if required
- Coordination with regulators to ensure compliance
The airline reiterated its commitment to passenger safety and operational transparency.
Conclusion: A Wake-Up Call for Safety Vigilance
The APU fire incident, though contained quickly, serves as a reminder of the critical importance of maintenance and preparedness in aviation. With multiple incidents within a short span, Air India is under pressure to restore public confidence and strengthen its operational checks.
While no lives were lost, the incident has sparked debate over the airline’s internal safety culture. Authorities and the public alike are now closely watching Air India’s next steps.
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