An Air India flight arriving from Hong Kong encountered a safety scare at Delhi’s Indira Gandhi International Airport on July 22, 2025, when its auxiliary power unit (APU) caught fire shortly after landing. The incident occurred when flight AI 315 had reached its designated gate at Terminal 3, and passengers were in the process of deplaning. Fortunately, all 158 passengers and crew members were safely evacuated without injury or panic.
The fire originated in the APU exhaust section located at the rear of the aircraft. The APU, a small turbine engine used to power essential systems when the main engines are off, plays a critical role during ground operations. According to initial reports, the aircraft’s built-in safety mechanisms responded promptly. The fire detection system activated instantly, leading to an automatic shutdown of the APU, followed by activation of the fire suppression system. This swift response prevented the situation from escalating, and airport firefighting services were on standby as a precaution.
Eyewitness accounts suggest that most passengers were not aware of the fire while disembarking, which further underscores the quiet efficiency with which the cabin crew and safety systems addressed the emergency. The aircraft has been grounded pending a thorough inspection, and the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has been notified as per protocol. However, sources have indicated that there may have been a delay in informing Air Traffic Control (ATC), a detail that is likely to be examined closely in the investigation.
In an official statement, Air India confirmed that all safety measures operated as designed and reassured the public of its ongoing commitment to passenger safety. The airline is cooperating fully with investigators to determine the exact cause of the incident and to review internal processes. This event, while minor in terms of damage and impact, serves as a reminder of the importance of rigorous aircraft safety standards and emergency preparedness.
The fire incident highlights both the reliability of modern aviation systems and the critical need for transparency and timely communication during such events. As investigations continue, Air India will be under scrutiny to ensure all operational protocols were followed and that proper safety oversight is maintained.
(from agency inputs)
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