An Air India flight travelling from Bengaluru to Delhi made an emergency landing at the Indira Gandhi International Airport in Delhi after the cockpit crew received a confirmed engine fire warning during the aircraft’s final approach on Thursday night. All passengers and crew members on board were reported safe.
The incident involved Air India flight AI2802, operated by an Airbus A320 aircraft. According to airline officials, the crew received a fire indication from one of the engines shortly before landing. Following standard emergency procedures, the pilots declared a full emergency and safely landed the aircraft on runway 29R at around 9:30 pm.
Air India said in an official statement that the warning was later confirmed to be genuine. The airline added that all passengers and crew disembarked normally after the aircraft reached the bay safely. Emergency services, including fire and rescue teams, had already been deployed at the airport as a precautionary measure.
Sources said there were around 160 to 171 passengers on board the aircraft when the incident took place. Airport authorities temporarily suspended operations on the runway for inspection and safety checks after the landing. The aircraft was later towed away from the runway area.
Videos and visuals from the airport showed emergency vehicles surrounding the aircraft soon after landing. However, officials later confirmed that no visible fire was detected externally after the plane touched down.
Air India has announced a full investigation into the incident in coordination with aviation regulators and technical experts. The airline said it is gathering additional information to determine the exact cause of the engine fire warning.
The incident came on the same day another Air India aircraft reportedly suffered a tail-strike event while landing in Bengaluru, increasing scrutiny on operational safety and aircraft maintenance.
India’s aviation sector has been witnessing heightened attention on flight safety following several recent technical incidents involving commercial airlines. Aviation authorities are expected to closely examine the AI2802 incident to ensure compliance with all safety standards and operational procedures.