AviationSafety – Air India Aircraft Grounded After Bengaluru Tail Strike Incident
AviationSafety – Air India has grounded one of its aircraft after a tail strike incident during landing in Bengaluru, while aviation authorities continue monitoring broader safety and investigation procedures across the sector.
An Air India flight travelling from Delhi to Bengaluru encountered a tail strike while landing at Kempegowda International Airport, prompting the airline to suspend further operations of the aircraft pending inspection. The incident involved flight AI2651, which was carrying 179 passengers and crew members on board.
According to the airline, the aircraft landed safely despite the impact during touchdown. All passengers and crew exited the plane without any reported injuries or emergency complications. Air India stated that standard safety procedures were immediately initiated after the aircraft reached the terminal.
Aircraft Withdrawn for Technical Examination
Following the incident, the aircraft has been temporarily removed from active service for a detailed engineering assessment. Airline officials confirmed that technical teams are conducting inspections to determine the extent of the damage caused by the tail strike.
Air India also noted that the matter will undergo a formal review under established aviation safety protocols. Such investigations generally involve technical analysis, flight data evaluation, and coordination with aviation regulators to understand the sequence of events during landing.
Because the aircraft was grounded, the scheduled return service from Bengaluru to Delhi, operated as flight AI2652, had to be cancelled. The airline said affected passengers are being shifted to alternative flights and support arrangements are being made to reduce inconvenience.
Passenger Support Measures Initiated
Air India said its teams are coordinating with travellers impacted by the cancellation and are working to provide revised travel options at the earliest possible time. Airport staff and customer support personnel have also been instructed to assist passengers requiring accommodation or rebooking assistance.
Tail strike incidents occur when the rear section of an aircraft makes contact with the runway during takeoff or landing. Aviation experts generally treat such occurrences seriously because they can potentially affect the aircraft’s structural integrity, even if the landing itself appears normal.
Government Monitoring Aviation Safety Investigations
The latest incident comes as aviation authorities continue focusing on air safety matters following the investigation into the Air India AI171 crash in Ahmedabad earlier this year. Civil Aviation Minister Ram Mohan Naidu recently stated that the inquiry into the June 2025 crash has entered its final phase.
Speaking about the ongoing probe, the minister said the Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau is expected to complete its findings within the coming month. He emphasised that the investigation is being conducted independently by the AAIB, while the government continues providing all required technical and logistical support.
Naidu also highlighted the importance of maintaining transparency throughout the process, noting that the final findings would receive international attention because several foreign nationals were among those onboard the ill-fated flight.
Ahmedabad Crash Probe Nearing Completion
The preliminary findings related to the Ahmedabad tragedy were reportedly submitted to the Ministry of Civil Aviation on July 12, 2025. Authorities have continued examining multiple operational and technical aspects linked to the accident.
The crash involving Air India flight AI171 occurred on June 12, 2025, shortly after the Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner departed from Ahmedabad’s Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport on its scheduled journey to London Gatwick. The incident claimed 260 lives and remains one of the most significant aviation tragedies in recent years.
The Civil Aviation Ministry has also responded to concerns raised by families of victims regarding communication gaps and compensation-related delays. Officials said the government remains in regular contact with Air India to ensure that pending issues involving affected families are addressed appropriately.