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On May 21, 2026, Air India’s domestic service AI2651, which was en route from Indira Gandhi International Airport in Delhi to Kempegowda International Airport in Bengaluru, faced a significant safety incident upon landing. The aircraft, carrying nearly 200 passengers and crew, experienced a tail strike during its descent, prompting immediate actions from the airline as well as civil aviation regulators. Although the flight successfully landed after a second approach and no injuries were reported, the situation escalated into a routine safety procedure, leading to the aircraft being grounded and an investigation initiated by India’s civil aviation authority.
This incident highlights the ongoing challenges within the busy landscape of domestic air travel, alongside the robust safety measures that are integral to Indian aviation. For travelers and industry observers alike, the airline’s handling of this situation emphasizes the commitment of both airlines and regulatory bodies to prioritize safety while ensuring minimal disruption to service.
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Flight AI2651 was conducted using an Airbus A321, a prominent member of the A320 family frequently operated by airlines throughout India for short to medium-haul flights. Known for its fuel efficiency and reliable performance, the A321 is ideal for high-density routes such as the pivotal Delhi to Bengaluru corridor.
This route, connecting India’s national capital to Bengaluru—an emerging hub for technology and tourism—typically attracts a high volume of travelers, particularly during peak seasons. On this specific flight, the aircraft was nearly at full capacity, underscoring the demand for service on one of the busiest air routes in India.
As the A321 approached Bengaluru for landing, the crew navigated through wake turbulence generated by another aircraft, a common occurrence that can destabilize following flights. Upon encountering this turbulence, the crew executed a go-around procedure, opting to abort the initial landing attempt and circle back for a stabilized approach.
However, during the go-around maneuver, the tail section of the aircraft made contact with the runway, resulting in what is known as a tail strike. Despite this potentially dangerous situation, the flight crew successfully regained control, completing a safe landing on the subsequent attempt without any injuries.
Although the term “safety threat” raises concerns, passengers on Flight AI2651 reportedly remained calm throughout the event and were safely disembarked once the aircraft reached its designated gate in Bengaluru. Air India’s ground teams promptly mobilized to assist passengers, providing crucial information and managing subsequent travel arrangements.
In the aftermath of the incident, passengers received thorough briefings regarding the tail strike and were offered various options, including rebooking and alternative arrangements as needed. Air India staff, in coordination with airport personnel, worked diligently to ensure smooth transitions for travelers, which included facilitating connections, hotel accommodations for those facing long delays, and guidance on rescheduling flights.
The airline stressed that passenger safety and comfort remained its top priorities throughout the incident, a commitment that aligns with standard procedures in civil aviation following such occurrences.
The repercussions of this incident rippled beyond just Flight AI2651. Given the tail strike, the aircraft was grounded for a comprehensive technical evaluation, an industry-standard protocol for such situations. This grounding resulted in the cancellation of the subsequent service, Flight AI2652, from Bengaluru back to Delhi.
Passengers booked on AI2652 were proactively contacted and provided information about the cancellation, with many being presented with options to alter their travel plans. Air India made efforts to redeploy other aircraft to minimize disruptions, although some cancellations are sometimes unavoidable due to aircraft withdrawals for safety inspections.
Despite the significance of this incident, other flights operating through Bengaluru were minimally affected, thanks to effective coordination and management by airport operations. Nonetheless, operators applied scheduling flexibilities where necessary to ensure a seamless travel experience for passengers across the network.
Following the confirmation of the tail strike, the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), India’s aviation regulatory body, launched an official investigation. This crucial process involves examining the events leading up to the incident, analyzing flight data and cockpit recordings, and determining if any procedural or environmental factors contributed to the occurrence.
Alongside DGCA representatives, maintenance engineers will conduct a thorough inspection of the grounded Airbus A321 to assess any potential structural damage or system integrity issues stemming from the tail strike. Only after exhaustive evaluations confirm the aircraft’s safety will it be cleared for service.
The DGCA often concludes such investigations with detailed reports that may recommend updates to operational procedures or training to help mitigate the risks of similar incidents in the future.
This incident serves as a crucial reminder for travelers about the intricate balance between aircraft performance, environmental factors, and the aviation safety protocols in place. While tail strikes are relatively uncommon, they are recognized within the aviation community as events warranting thorough investigation but not indicative of systemic failures when appropriately managed.
For domestic tourism and business travel sectors, the swift and effective handling of this incident by Air India and relevant aviation authorities reinforces the understanding that safety remains paramount in airline operations across India. With Bengaluru’s growing significance as a center for tourism, technology, and events, the necessity for high operational standards cannot be overstated.
Travelers on heavily trafficked routes like Delhi to Bengaluru can expect airlines to adhere to stringent safety measures and maintain clear communication during unexpected events. The proactive approach taken during the AI2651 tail strike incident—from secure landing to passenger assistance and regulatory collaboration—stands as a testament to this commitment to safety and customer care.
Source: The post Air India's A12651 En Route From Delhi to Bengaluru With Almost Two Hundred Passengers Faces a Major Safety Threat as the Flight Undergoes a Tail Strike While Landing first appeared on www.travelandtourworld.com.
