A dramatic incident unfolded at Delhi’s Indira Gandhi International Airport when a container became lodged in the engine of an Air India aircraft, prompting an immediate investigation by the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA). The mishap occurred during routine ground operations, raising serious questions about airport safety protocols and cargo handling procedures.
Eyewitnesses reported seeing ground staff scrambling as the massive container jammed into the jet engine of the wide-body aircraft preparing for departure. Emergency teams swiftly responded, securing the area and ensuring no injuries occurred. The plane, bound for an international destination, was grounded indefinitely pending a thorough technical assessment.
Aviation experts are pointing fingers at lapses in cargo loading standards. ‘This is a rare but critical failure in ground handling,’ said one industry veteran. The DGCA has launched a detailed probe, focusing on how such a heavy object could infiltrate the engine area without detection. Preliminary findings suggest possible human error or equipment malfunction during container positioning.
Air India has issued a statement cooperating fully with authorities while emphasizing passenger safety as paramount. Operations at the airport continued smoothly, but this event underscores ongoing challenges in India’s bustling aviation sector. The investigation’s outcome could lead to revised guidelines for cargo operations nationwide, aiming to prevent future close calls.
As Delhi remains India’s busiest aviation hub, stakeholders await DGCA’s report, expected within weeks. This incident serves as a stark reminder of the razor-thin margins in air travel safety, where even minor oversights can escalate into major disruptions.