Air India Flight Lands Safely After Tail Strike in Bengaluru; Investigation Launched

An Air India flight, AI 2651, operating from Delhi to Bengaluru, encountered a significant incident on Thursday when its tail struck the runway during the landing phase at Bengaluru airport. While the aircraft managed to land safely and all passengers and crew disembarked without harm, the event has led to the immediate grounding of the aircraft for a thorough inspection.

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Flight AI2651 operating from Delhi to Bengaluru on 21 May experienced a tail-strike during landing. The aircraft landed safely, and all passengers and crew disembarked normally.

Air India has stated that a full investigation into the cause of the tail strike is underway, in coordination with regulatory authorities. Officials from the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) have also initiated their own probe, and the operating pilots have been temporarily removed from duty pending the investigation's outcome. The airline has assured that safety remains its utmost priority and is working to minimize inconvenience to passengers.

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The aircraft has been grounded for detailed inspection. The incident will be investigated in accordance with established procedures, in coordination with the relevant regulatory authorities.

This incident follows another recent event where an Air India flight from Bengaluru to Delhi declared a full emergency due to a suspected engine fire. Although that flight also landed safely, it highlights a concerning pattern of technical issues. The cancellation of the return flight, AI 2652, due to the grounded aircraft, has disrupted travel plans for numerous passengers, who are now being accommodated on alternative arrangements. The airline has apologized for the inconvenience caused.

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Alternative arrangements are being made to accommodate affected passengers at the earliest...Air India regrets the inconvenience caused. The safety of our passengers and crew remains our highest priority.