Air India Hongkong-Delhi Flight Catches Fire After Landing at Delhi Airport
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New Delhi, July 22, 2025 – An Air India flight from Hong Kong to Delhi faced a scare when its auxiliary power unit (APU) caught fire shortly after landing at Indira Gandhi International Airport on Tuesday. All passengers and crew members disembarked safely, though the aircraft sustained damage.
Incident Details: Fire Erupts After Safe Landing
The affected flight, AI-315, had just arrived from Hong Kong and was parked at the gate when the APU fire broke out. An airline spokesperson confirmed that the APU automatically shut down as per safety protocols, preventing further escalation.
“Flight AI 315, operating from Hong Kong to Delhi on 22 July 2025, experienced an auxiliary power unit (APU) fire shortly after it had landed and parked at the gate. The incident occurred while passengers had begun disembarking, and the APU was automatically shut down as per system design,” the spokesperson said.
Passengers and crew exited the aircraft normally, and no injuries were reported. However, the Airbus A321 sustained damage and has been grounded pending an investigation. The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has been notified.
Third Air India Incident in 48 Hours
This incident marks the third safety concern for Air India in just two days, raising questions about the airline’s operational protocols.
- Kochi-Mumbai Flight Veers Off Runway (July 21) – An Air India flight skidded off the runway while landing in Mumbai, damaging the engine cover and tarmac.
- Delhi-Kolkata Flight Aborts Takeoff at High Speed (July 21) – Another Air India flight aborted takeoff at 155 km/h due to a technical issue.
- Hong Kong-Delhi APU Fire (July 22) – The latest incident involving an APU fire post-landing.
Ongoing Scrutiny After Ahmedabad Plane Crash
The June 12 Air India Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner crash in Ahmedabad, which killed 274 people, remains under investigation. Preliminary reports indicated that the fuel supply switches were moved to ‘CUTOFF’ shortly after takeoff, leading to engine failure.
The Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) has criticized international media for “unverified” reporting suggesting pilot error. The Wall Street Journal had claimed that Captain Sumeet Sabharwal deliberately shut off the fuel supply, a claim strongly denied by Indian authorities.
Following the crash, Indian airlines were instructed to inspect fuel control switches on all Boeing aircraft. Air India confirmed that its checks found “no issues.”
Conclusion: Safety Concerns Mount for Air India
With multiple incidents in quick succession, Air India faces increasing scrutiny over its safety standards. While no casualties occurred in the latest APU fire, the repeated technical failures highlight the need for stricter maintenance and operational reviews.
The DGCA and AAIB are expected to release further findings on the recent incidents, including the Ahmedabad crash investigation.
