Air India flight AI-2651 operating from Delhi to Bengaluru suffered a tail strike while attempting to land at Kempegowda International Airport on Thursday, prompting the pilots to perform a go-around before the aircraft later landed safely.
According to airline officials, the Airbus A321’s tail reportedly scraped the runway during the landing attempt. All passengers and crew members safely disembarked after arrival, and no injuries were reported. The aircraft has since been grounded for detailed technical inspection.
Directorate General of Civil Aviation has launched an investigation into the incident, while the operating pilots have reportedly been off-rostered pending the outcome of the probe. Air India confirmed that the return Bengaluru-Delhi service AI-2652 was cancelled following the grounding of the aircraft.
Officials familiar with the matter stated that wake turbulence from a departing Boeing 747 freighter may have contributed to the incident. Reports suggest the larger aircraft had taken off shortly before the Air India flight attempted to land, causing wind disturbances that led to the tail strike and subsequent go-around.
Air India stated that alternative travel arrangements are being provided for affected passengers and emphasized that passenger safety remains the airline’s highest priority as investigations continue.