What was supposed to be a smooth end to a long-haul journey from Tokyo to New Delhi turned into a dramatic emergency on July 22, 2025, when Air India flight AI315, a Boeing 777-300ER, caught fire shortly after touching down at Indira Gandhi International Airport (IGI), Delhi.
The flight had safely landed on time, but within minutes of touchdown, passengers began to notice sparks and smoke coming from one of the engines. Flames soon followed, leading to emergency protocols being activated immediately.
This was not just another technical snag. It was a potentially catastrophic situation that was managed swiftly and effectively, preventing injuries and damage beyond the affected engine.
The Moment It Happened: Fire After Touchdown
According to airport officials and eyewitness accounts, the fire started in the right-side engine as the plane was taxiing toward the parking bay after landing. This made the situation particularly dangerous, as the aircraft was still in motion and passengers were seated with seat belts fastened.
Ground personnel monitoring the aircraft noticed the fire and quickly alerted the Air Traffic Control (ATC). ATC immediately coordinated a full emergency response, which included fire tenders, rescue teams, and airport security units.
The aircraft’s crew, noticing the fire alert in the cockpit, halted the aircraft and proceeded with emergency evacuation. The pilot issued a Mayday call, and the evacuation was carried out using inflatable emergency slides.
How Emergency Services Reacted in Real-Time
The firefighting response was almost immediate. Multiple fire tenders reached the aircraft within two minutes and began spraying fire-retardant foam on the burning engine.
First responders ensured that the aircraft’s fuel tanks remained secure and isolated, minimizing the risk of an explosion. Airport personnel were also seen guiding passengers away from the aircraft and transporting them to safety using airport shuttle buses.
A senior official from the airport emergency division later confirmed:
“Our teams were already on alert due to an earlier weather warning. That preparedness helped in achieving an exceptionally fast response time, which likely prevented escalation.”
Timeline of the Incident
| Time | Event |
|---|---|
| 5:52 PM IST | AI315 lands safely on Runway 29 |
| 5:55 PM IST | Fire detected in right engine |
| 5:56 PM IST | Emergency call sent to ATC |
| 5:58 PM IST | Fire tenders reach aircraft |
| 6:02 PM IST | Full evacuation completed |
| 6:05 PM IST | Fire brought under control |
| 6:30 PM IST | Passengers moved to terminal building |
Statements from Air India and Government Agencies
Following the incident, Air India issued a statement clarifying that all passengers were safe and accounted for:
“The safety of our passengers and crew remains our top priority. We commend the professionalism of our cabin crew and the rapid support from Delhi Airport emergency services.”
Meanwhile, the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) announced that a full investigation had been initiated. They are currently analyzing the Flight Data Recorder (FDR) and Cockpit Voice Recorder (CVR) to determine what caused the engine to catch fire post-landing.
A Ministry of Civil Aviation spokesperson added that a comprehensive fleet audit may be conducted to assess any systemic issues in long-haul aircraft maintenance.
Technical Profile of the Aircraft
The Boeing 777-300ER involved in the incident is part of Air India’s international fleet and has been in operation for over 15 years. The aircraft had undergone routine maintenance in May 2025 and had no recent record of technical glitches, according to sources within the airline.
The engine in question is a GE90-115B, one of the most powerful and widely used engines on long-haul aircraft. Aviation engineers suggest that such fires could be triggered by oil leaks, electrical short circuits, or foreign object damage (FOD) during descent or landing.
Passenger Experiences: Fear, Calm, and Relief
Passengers described a mix of terror and gratitude. A Japanese tourist on the flight shared:
“We felt a jolt and then saw fire from the windows. People were screaming, but the crew asked us to remain calm and directed us clearly. The slide experience was scary, but we’re thankful to be alive.”
Another Indian passenger said:
“The airline staff handled it extremely well. They kept shouting instructions and helped elderly passengers disembark safely. I can’t thank them enough.”
Such accounts highlight the importance of trained crew and emergency readiness, which can mean the difference between life and death during critical incidents.
Broader Implications for Aviation Safety in India
While India’s civil aviation sector continues to expand at a rapid pace, incidents like this shine a spotlight on the need for rigorous oversight, especially for aging aircraft and long-haul flights. Experts believe that predictive maintenance, AI-based engine monitoring, and stricter regulatory audits are essential to maintain high safety standards.
Aviation consultant Raghav Menon commented:
“Air India has made great strides under the Tata Group, but modernization must include not just newer planes, but also smarter systems that predict engine wear before it results in danger.”
What Happens Next?
As the DGCA investigation unfolds, the affected aircraft has been grounded. Air India has promised full cooperation with regulatory bodies and plans to conduct additional internal safety checks across its fleet.
The results of the investigation will likely shape future safety norms and may even influence pilot training modules, especially regarding engine-fire scenarios on the ground.
Meanwhile, the Delhi Airport Authority has confirmed that operations are running normally, with the affected runway cleared for traffic.
FAQs About the Air India AI315 Fire Incident
1. What triggered the fire in AI315?
The exact cause is under investigation, but possible reasons include engine oil leakage or a mechanical fault.
2. Did the fire start while the aircraft was airborne?
No, the fire started after the plane had landed, during taxiing.
3. Were any passengers injured?
No injuries or fatalities were reported. All passengers were safely evacuated.
4. What aircraft model was involved?
It was a Boeing 777-300ER, used for long international flights.
5. Was the flight on time?
Yes, the flight landed at its scheduled time before the incident occurred.
6. How did emergency services respond?
Firefighters reached the spot within 2 minutes and extinguished the fire using foam.
7. How many people were on board?
The aircraft had 232 people, including passengers and crew.
8. Has the aircraft been grounded?
Yes, the aircraft is currently grounded for investigation and inspection.
9. Will this impact future flights?
There may be minor disruptions on this specific route, but overall operations remain unaffected.
10. Is Air India planning safety reviews after this?
Yes, internal audits and possibly a fleet-wide safety check will be conducted.
Conclusion
The Air India AI315 engine fire incident could have turned disastrous if not for the swift action of the pilots, cabin crew, and emergency services. The episode serves as a critical reminder of the unpredictability of aviation and the need for constant vigilance, even post-landing.
As investigations continue and more details emerge, it is clear that India’s aviation safety mechanisms were put to the test—and passed. This event should inspire a new level of proactive safety audits, technological integration, and crisis readiness across all carriers operating in and out of India.
Report by Toofan Express