Air India flight catches fire shortly after landing at the Delhi Airport

An Air India aircraft operating Flight AI 315 from Hong Kong experienced an Auxiliary Power Unit (APU) fire shortly after landing at Delhi's Indira Gandhi International Airport on Tuesday. The incident occurred as the plane had safely landed and was parked at the gate, with passengers already beginning to disembark. While the aircraft sustained some damage, all passengers and crew members were able to deplane safely, averting a major mishap.

According to a statement released by an Air India spokesperson, the APU fire, a malfunction in the aircraft's independent power generating unit, automatically shut down as per its system design. The Delhi International Airport Limited (DIAL) confirmed that the fire was promptly doused and an investigation into the matter has been initiated. This swift response ensured the safety of everyone onboard and at the airport.

The affected aircraft has been grounded for thorough investigations, and the aviation regulator, the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), has been duly notified of the incident. An APU is a small, crucial engine typically located in the tail of an aircraft, responsible for providing electrical power and air conditioning while on the ground, and for starting the main engines. The focus of the ongoing probe will be to determine the precise cause of the APU malfunction and implement any necessary corrective measures to prevent future occurrences, upholding aviation safety standards.