APU Fire on Hong Kong-Delhi Air India Flight
An Air India Boeing 787 (Flight AI 315) from Hong Kong to Delhi experienced a small auxiliary power unit (APU) fire shortly after landing and while passengers were disembarking at Delhi’s Indira Gandhi International Airport on July 22, 2025. The APU, located near the aircraft’s tail, shut down automatically as designed.
Minor Damage, All Safe
Air India confirmed that “some damage” occurred to the aircraft, but there were no injuries among the passengers or crew. They safely exited through stairs and handovers were handled calmly. Emergency teams responded swiftly and extinguished the blaze on-site.
Aircraft Grounded and Under Review
The aircraft has been grounded and the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) informed. A detailed technical inspection is now underway to determine the fire’s cause and ensure safe return to service.
Reminder of Ongoing Safety Checks
This incident is the latest in a series of recent safety hiccups for Air India, including a runway excursion in Mumbai and aborted take-offs in Delhi. The airline has initiated multiple checks across its Boeing 787 and 737 fleets following a tragic crash near Ahmedabad in June, and no related system flaw was found during the inspections.
What This Means for Travellers
- Flights were not delayed as spare aircraft were deployed quickly.
- Passengers on AI 315 arrived safely with minimal disruption.
- Airline systems functioned properly, triggering automatic shutdown of the APU and showing effective emergency protocols.
Overall, while concerning, the event highlights robust safety systems that protected lives. Investigations are expected to provide further recommendations.
