Air India Flight from Hong Kong Reports APU Fire Post-Landing in Delhi; All Safe

By A Staff Reporter

New Delhi, July 22: Air India flight AI 315, operating from Hong Kong to Delhi, experienced a fire in its auxiliary power unit (APU) shortly after landing and parking at its designated gate on Tuesday. The incident occurred while passengers had begun disembarking, according to an official statement issued by the airline.

The APU, a system used to power electrical and other onboard systems while the aircraft is on the ground, reportedly caught fire after the aircraft had completed its journey and was stationary at the Indira Gandhi International Airport. The fire triggered the aircraft's safety systems, which automatically shut down the APU as designed.

An Air India spokesperson confirmed that all passengers and crew were safe. “There was some damage to the aircraft; however, passengers and crew members disembarked normally and are safe,” the spokesperson said. Emergency protocols were followed, and no injuries were reported.

The aircraft has since been grounded for a detailed technical inspection. India's aviation regulator, the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), has been informed, and further investigations are underway to determine the cause of the fire.

Air India said it is cooperating fully with regulatory authorities and taking necessary steps to ensure safety protocols are reviewed and reinforced. Passengers scheduled on subsequent operations of the affected aircraft are being re-accommodated.