Major Accident Averted at Delhi Airport: Fire Breaks Out in Air India Flight's APU, All Passengers Safe

National News: A potential disaster was narrowly avoided at Delhi’s Indira Gandhi International Airport on Tuesday afternoon when the Auxiliary Power Unit (APU) of Air India flight AI-315, arriving from Hong Kong, caught fire shortly after landing. Fortunately, all passengers and crew members were unharmed, as the disembarkation process was already underway when the incident occurred.

How the Incident Happened

According to an official statement by Air India, the incident occurred shortly after the aircraft had landed and was parked at the designated gate. During this time, smoke and flames were observed coming from the APU, a component located in the aircraft’s tail section. Thankfully, the aircraft’s automated safety systems kicked in, and the APU shut down immediately, preventing the fire from escalating.

All Occupants Safe and Secure

Air India confirmed that all passengers and crew members aboard the flight were safely evacuated, and no injuries were reported. The airline swiftly removed the aircraft from operational service following the incident to ensure passenger safety and to facilitate a thorough inspection.

Flight AI-315: Key Details

• Flight Number: AI-315
• Route: Hong Kong to Delhi
• Time of Incident: Tuesday afternoon
• Location: IGI Airport, Delhi – while the aircraft was parked at the gate

Aircraft Grounded for Investigation

As a precautionary measure, the aircraft has been grounded for technical evaluation. According to preliminary findings, the damage appears to be minor, but a complete assessment will be conducted before the aircraft is cleared for future operations.

DGCA Launches Independent Inquiry

Recognizing the seriousness of the incident, the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has initiated an independent technical investigation. Authorities aim to determine the exact cause—whether it was a technical fault, maintenance lapse, or another operational issue.

What Is an APU?

An Auxiliary Power Unit (APU) is a small engine located at the rear of an aircraft. It provides power for essential systems such as air conditioning, lighting, and electrical functions when the aircraft’s main engines are off—particularly useful during boarding, ground handling, or maintenance operations.

While the situation had the potential to be far more serious, prompt action by the airline and the aircraft’s automated systems ensured the safety of everyone on board. This incident once again highlights the importance of robust safety protocols in aviation and the critical role of ongoing maintenance and monitoring.