Air India was again in the limelight—this time for a near‑miss experience. Hong Kong‑bound Flight AI315 experienced a tail‑unit fire after landing in Delhi. No one was injured.
What Happened
On July 22, 2025, the tail-section APU on Air India’s Airbus A321 erupted into fire as soon as it landed at IGI Airport. The flames began when passengers were disembarking. Fortunately, automatic systems automatically powered it down. Crew then safely evacuated everyone.
Why This Matters
This is not a one‑off. Air India had multiple incidents within days—one flight veered off the runway in Mumbai, while another aborted takeoff in Delhi. These events followed the tragic June crash of a Boeing 787, which killed 260 people. Together, these issues raise serious safety concerns for the airline.
Airline Response
Air India immediately grounded the plane for a thorough investigation. They notified DGCA and DIAL. Investigators believe a maintenance oversight led to the APU fire. The airline has vowed strict checks in advance.
Safety Protocol in Action
This accident points to one strength: aviation systems are designed for such contingencies. Automatic shutdown of the APU provided an instant solution. Training of the crew and well-defined procedures made passengers safe.
All of this functioned as intended, contained damage, and avoided injury.
Now the formal inquiry starts. Aviation regulators will check maintenance records and examine the APU unit. In the meanwhile, Air India has to reassure travelers. It might have to increase inspections on its entire fleet, enhance employee training, and speed up checks.
Bigger Picture
Air India’s recent spate of system failures tarnished its safety reputation. The June crash jolted its reputation further. But how the airline handles it now is of prime importance. Open investigation findings and firm corrective action can restore its reputation.
For the moment, nobody was injured in Fire AI315. Nevertheless, this close call is a wake-up call. Air India needs to act quickly and visibly. Throughout the course of the investigation, vigilant monitoring and open communication will define how passengers trust the airline in the future.
