Air India Delhi-Bengaluru flight grounded after tail strike during landing

An Air India flight operating from Delhi to Bengaluru experienced a tail strike while landing at Bengaluru airport on Thursday, following which the aircraft was grounded for inspection. The flight, AI2651, was operated by a narrow-body Airbus A321. Airline officials said the aircraft landed safely and all passengers and crew members disembarked normally after arrival.

According to airline officials, the aircraft has been taken out of service for a detailed technical inspection in line with standard aviation safety procedures. As a result of the incident, the return service from Bengaluru to Delhi, flight AI2652, was cancelled. Air India stated that alternative arrangements were being made to accommodate affected passengers and that ground staff in Bengaluru were assisting travellers.

A tail strike occurs when the rear section of an aircraft makes contact with the runway during take-off or landing. Officials stated that the Directorate General of Civil Aviation has initiated an investigation into the incident. Sources also said the operating pilots have been removed from active duty pending completion of the inquiry.

According to officials familiar with the matter, the incident may have been linked to wake turbulence generated by another aircraft shortly before the Air India flight began its landing approach. A Boeing 747 aircraft had reportedly departed moments earlier, and the resulting disturbed airflow may have affected the Airbus A321 during final approach. Sources stated that the pilots attempted a go-around procedure before the tail strike occurred.

Air India said the incident would be investigated in coordination with regulatory authorities and according to established procedures. The airline also stated that passenger and crew safety remained its highest priority and expressed regret over the inconvenience caused due to the cancellation of the onward flight from Bengaluru.