New Delhi, May 21: An Air India flight from Delhi to Bengaluru suffered a tail strike during landing at Kempegowda International Airport, leading to the aircraft being grounded and the return service cancelled, the airline confirmed on Thursday.
The incident involved flight AI2651, which was carrying 179 passengers and crew members. The aircraft made a safe landing despite the tail strike, and all individuals on board disembarked without any reported injuries or complications.
Following the occurrence, Air India grounded the aircraft to conduct a comprehensive technical inspection. The airline stated that the matter will be examined in accordance with established aviation safety procedures to determine the cause and assess any potential damage.
The grounding of the aircraft disrupted subsequent operations, resulting in the cancellation of the return flight AI2652 from Bengaluru to Delhi. Air India said it is arranging alternative travel options to accommodate affected passengers at the earliest.
A tail strike typically occurs when the rear section of an aircraft makes contact with the runway during landing or takeoff, often prompting mandatory inspections to ensure structural integrity and operational safety. In this case, the airline has initiated standard checks as part of protocol.
The development comes amid ongoing scrutiny of aviation safety in India. Civil Aviation Minister Ram Mohan Naidu recently stated that the investigation into the crash of Air India flight AI171 in Ahmedabad is nearing completion.
According to the minister, the probe is in its final phase and may be concluded within a month. He clarified that the investigation is being carried out independently by the Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB), with the government providing necessary support without direct interference.
Naidu emphasised that the final findings will undergo international review, as the Ahmedabad-bound flight had foreign nationals on board. The AAIB had earlier submitted its preliminary report on July 12, 2025, to the Union Ministry of Civil Aviation.
The minister also addressed concerns raised by families of victims regarding communication gaps and delays in compensation. He said the ministry remains in close coordination with Air India and is actively monitoring the situation.
The Ahmedabad crash, which claimed 260 lives, occurred on June 12, 2025, when a Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner operating as flight AI171 departed from Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport for London Gatwick.
The latest incident in Bengaluru, though non-fatal, has once again drawn attention to operational safety and adherence to aviation protocols, with authorities expected to review findings after the inspection is completed.
