Air India Aircraft Catches Fire After Landing in Delhi; No Injuries Reported

An Air India flight operating from Hong Kong to Delhi experienced a fire in its auxiliary power unit (APU) shortly after landing at Indira Gandhi International Airport on July 22, 2025. According to a statement from the airline, all passengers and crew members safely disembarked, and no injuries were reported.

Flight AI 315 had already arrived at the gate when the APU— a secondary engine that provides power to the aircraft while on the ground—caught fire. The system automatically shut down the APU as designed, mitigating the situation. The incident occurred while passengers had begun disembarking.

The aircraft has been grounded for inspection and investigation. Air India confirmed that the aviation regulator has been officially informed.

The APU, though separate from the main engines, plays a crucial role in providing ground power for cabin lights, air conditioning, and engine startup. While APU fires can be hazardous, early system shutdowns often prevent escalation.

This incident comes at a time when Air India is already under heightened scrutiny following the fatal crash of its AI 171 flight. The Boeing 787-8 aircraft, en route from Ahmedabad to London Gatwick, crashed shortly after takeoff on June 12, killing 241 of the 242 passengers and 19 people on the ground.

The Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) revealed in its preliminary findings that the fuel supply to both engines was simultaneously disrupted within one second of each other, causing confusion in the cockpit. In response, the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) last week directed all airlines to inspect the fuel switch locking systems on their Boeing 787 and 737 aircraft by July 21.

The APU fire incident in Delhi, although non-fatal, adds to growing concerns about the safety and maintenance standards of Air India’s fleet amid ongoing regulatory oversight.