Air India A321 tailstrike at Bengaluru prompts probe and flight cancellations

An Air India flight from Delhi to Bengaluru suffered a tailstrike while landing at Kempegowda International Airport on Thursday. The aircraft, operating as flight AI2651, landed safely and all passengers and crew disembarked without injury, according to the airline.

The aircraft involved, an Airbus A321, has been grounded for a detailed technical inspection. The return flight from Bengaluru to Delhi was subsequently canceled. Air India stated it is making alternative arrangements for affected passengers, with ground teams in Bengaluru providing assistance.

Preliminary information from the investigation suggests the incident may have been caused by wake turbulence. Officials indicated the pilots initiated a go-around maneuver after encountering disturbed airflow conditions near the runway. One official noted that a cargo Boeing 747 had taken off shortly before the Air India aircraft's landing attempt, which may have generated the turbulence.

The Directorate General of Civil Aviation has launched a probe to determine the exact sequence of events. Sources confirmed the pilots operating the flight have been temporarily removed from flying duties pending the outcome of the...