Fire scare on Air India flight triggers full emergency at Delhi airport

A Delhi-bound Air India flight from Bengaluru triggered a full emergency response at the capital’s Indira Gandhi International (IGI) Airport on Thursday night after the pilot reported a suspected smoke-related incident while landing, sources said.

The incident involved flight AI2802 operating from Bengaluru to Delhi with 171 passengers onboard. Sources from Air India confirmed to India Today that during the landing procedure, the pilot announced that the engine had caught fire, prompting authorities to declare an emergency at Delhi airport as a precautionary measure.

Despite the scare, the aircraft landed safely, and no injuries were reported. The authorities said that the operations duty manager observed no fire after the flight landed.

The incident occurred on runway 29R around 10.18 pm, which was temporarily suspended for inspection following the aircraft’s arrival. The pilot also suggested pulling the aircraft off the runway.

In a statement, Air India said it is aware of the incident involving flight AI2802 on May 21, 2026, adding that the aircraft landed safely and there was no harm to passengers or crew.

“We are currently gathering additional information and are working closely with the relevant authorities. Further updates will be shared as more details become available,” the airline said.

A full emergency at an airport is usually declared when there is a potential threat to aircraft safety, allowing emergency services including fire and rescue teams to be positioned in advance.

Earlier in the day, another Air India flight, travelling from Delhi to Bengaluru, experienced a tail-strike incident during landing at Bengaluru airport on Wednesday, the airline said.

Flight AI2651, operating from Delhi to Bengaluru on May 21, was involved in the incident during the landing phase. The airline confirmed that the aircraft landed safely and all passengers and crew disembarked normally.

The aircraft, an Airbus A321 narrow-body jet, reportedly encountered wake turbulence after a wide-body aircraft had taken off just as it was approaching for landing.

Sources said the pilot initiated a precautionary go-around due to the turbulence, during which the tail-strike occurred at Bengaluru airport.

The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has initiated an investigation into the incident and will examine the circumstances that led to the tail strike.

Air India said the aircraft has been grounded for detailed technical inspection.