Air India Flight from Delhi Hits Runway Tail While Landing in Bengaluru

A major accident was narrowly avoided at Bengaluru Airport after an Air India flight from Delhi suffered a tail strike while landing. Flight AI2651, carrying 179 passengers and crew members, experienced the incident when the aircraft’s tail suddenly hit the runway during touchdown. The unexpected impact created panic among passengers for a brief moment, but the pilot successfully maintained control of the aircraft and completed the landing safely. According to reports, the incident occurred due to wake turbulence generated by another aircraft that had taken off shortly before the Air India plane attempted to land. Aviation experts explained that wake turbulence can significantly disturb the stability of an approaching aircraft, especially during landing. Sources claimed that a Boeing 747, often referred to as the “Queen of the Skies,” had departed from the same runway moments earlier, creating strong air disturbances that may have affected the Air India flight. As a precautionary measure, the pilot reportedly carried out a go-around procedure before safely bringing the aircraft down. A go-around is a standard aviation safety maneuver in which a pilot aborts the initial landing attempt and circles around for another approach if conditions are unsafe. Following the incident, the aircraft was immediately grounded for a detailed technical inspection. Airport authorities and airline officials confirmed that all passengers and crew members were evacuated safely and no injuries were reported. Due to the technical checks and operational disruption caused by the tail strike, the return flight AI2652 from Bengaluru to Delhi was cancelled. The airline stated that alternative travel arrangements would be made for affected passengers. Air India’s ground staff at Bengaluru Airport has been assisting travelers with rescheduling and other support services. A tail strike is considered a serious aviation incident because it involves the rear section of an aircraft making contact with the runway during takeoff or landing. According to aviation safety guidelines, such incidents can potentially damage the aircraft structure and, in severe cases, lead to loss of control. The incident has once again highlighted the importance of maintaining safe aircraft spacing and monitoring turbulence conditions during busy airport operations.