Air India A320 evacuates safely after suspected engine fire warning

An Air India aircraft operating flight AI2802 from Bengaluru to Delhi was forced to declare a full emergency at Indira Gandhi International (IGI) Airport after a suspected engine fire warning during landing.

The Airbus A320, carrying 171 passengers, safely touched down on runway 29R at around 9:30pm local time. The runway was subsequently closed for approximately 50 minutes, Daily Star reports.

The airline confirmed that the emergency was declared after the flight crew received a fire alert from one of the engines during final descent, which was later verified.

“Air India is immediately initiating a full investigation into the incident's cause, in coordination with the relevant regulatory authorities. We are committed to sharing further verified information as soon as it becomes available. The safety of our passengers and crew remains our highest priority,” the carrier said.

Air India added that the crew followed standard operating procedures and landed the aircraft safely. All passengers and crew disembarked without injury, according to the Hindustan Times.

The incident occurred just hours after another Air India flight, AI2651 carrying 181 passengers, experienced a tail strike while landing at Bengaluru airport. The aircraft was grounded for inspection, although no injuries were reported.

The developments come as Air India faces broader operational pressures, including reduced international services from May through July due to rising jet fuel costs and restricted airspace caused by geopolitical tensions. No-fly zones linked to the Middle East conflict have forced longer routes, increasing fuel consumption and operational costs.

Air India Group is estimated to have incurred losses exceeding 22,000 crore in the financial year ending March 31, 2026. The airline plans to reduce flights to Europe, North America, Australia and Singapore in June.

Former CEO Campbell Wilson said in a staff communication that many international routes had become unprofitable. “We have reduced some flying for April and May... A massive rise in jet fuel prices, together with airspace closures and longer flying routes, has caused many of our international flights to become unprofitable to operate,” he said.

He also described the situation as “extremely challenging,” adding that the airline had “no choice” but to further cut schedules for June and July.

The year has been particularly difficult for the carrier, following a June 12, 2025 crash involving Air India Flight 171 near Gatwick-bound operations, which resulted in heavy casualties. A preliminary report suggested dual engine thrust loss after fuel control switches were moved from RUN to CUTOFF shortly after takeoff. The investigation remains ongoing.

By Vafa Guliyeva