Air India flight AI2651 grounded in Bengaluru after tail strike during landing

Bengaluru: An Air India flight arriving from Delhi was grounded at Kempegowda International Airport after officials detected a tail strike during landing, airport authorities confirmed on Thursday.

Officials stated that the aircraft landed safely and that all passengers and crew members disembarked normally without any injuries or immediate safety concerns.

A tail strike refers to an incident in which the rear section of an aircraft comes into contact with the runway during take-off or landing. Aviation experts regard such occurrences as serious because they may affect the aircraft’s structural integrity and require extensive technical inspection before the plane can resume operations, Siasat Daily reported.

Following the incident, Air India withdrew flight AI2651, operated using an Airbus A321 aircraft, from service for mandatory safety inspections and technical checks.

Officials said the return flight from Bengaluru to Delhi had to be cancelled due to the grounding of the aircraft.

Sources indicated that engineering teams had begun examining the aircraft for possible structural damage and other technical issues in accordance with standard aviation safety procedures.

Air India, which is owned by the Tata Group, stated that alternative travel arrangements were being made for affected passengers at the earliest opportunity. The airline also said its ground staff in Bengaluru were extending necessary assistance to passengers.

The airline further noted that the incident would be investigated in coordination with aviation regulatory authorities and in line with established procedures.

Airport and airline officials have not yet disclosed the extent of any damage to the aircraft, and a detailed technical assessment is ongoing.