An Air India flight traveling from Delhi to Bengaluru Kempe Gowda International Airport experienced a tail strike while landing (image source: "Google Gemini AI Generated Visuals")
An Air India flight traveling from Delhi to Bengaluru experienced a ‘tail-strike’ incident during landing at Kempegowda International Airport on May 21. According to airline officials, the aircraft landed safely, and all passengers and crew members disembarked normally without sustaining any injuries.
The incident involved Air India flight AI2651, which was being operated using an Airbus A321 aircraft. According to reports, during the landing process, the tail (rear section) of the aircraft made contact with the runway—an occurrence technically referred to as a “tail strike.” Such incidents typically occur during takeoff or landing, when the rear section of the aircraft strikes the runway surface.
Following this incident, Air India immediately grounded the aircraft for a detailed technical inspection and safety check. The airline stated that the matter would be investigated in accordance with established aviation safety protocols, in coordination with regulatory authorities.
After the aircraft was withdrawn from service for inspection, Air India also announced the cancellation of the return flight from Bengaluru to Delhi. The airline stated that alternative travel arrangements are being made for the affected passengers, while ground staff at Bengaluru Airport assisted the travelers.
According to reports, approximately 179 passengers and crew members were on board the aircraft at the time of the incident. Despite the occurrence of a “tail strike”—where the aircraft’s tail makes contact with the ground—officials confirmed that no reports of injuries or major emergencies were received following the landing. Aviation experts note that tail strikes are treated with great seriousness, as they pose a risk of structural damage to the aircraft.
This incident has once again underscored the critical importance of stringent aviation safety regulations and routine aircraft inspections. Aviation authorities are expected to examine flight data, weather conditions, pilot maneuvers, and details related to the runway landing in order to determine the precise causes of this incident. Further updates on this matter are anticipated once the official investigation report is released.
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