Air India Delhi-Bengaluru Flight Suffers Tail Strike At Bengaluru Airport, DGCA Launches Probe

An Air India Delhi-Bengaluru flight suffered a tail strike during landing at Bengaluru airport on 21 May, prompting a go-around and grounding of the aircraft. Officials said 179 people were on board flight AI-2651 when the incident happened, though the plane landed safely and everyone disembarked without any reported injuries.

According to an official aware of the case, the Directorate General of Civil Aviation has started a formal probe into the tail strike. The pilots of the Airbus A-321 have been taken off flying duties while investigators examine the sequence of events, aircraft condition, and operational factors behind the occurrence.

Air India tail strike incident at Bengaluru airport: investigation and safety steps

An Air India spokesperson stated, “Flight AI-2651, operating from Delhi to Bengaluru on 21 May, experienced a tail-strike during landing. The aircraft landed safely, and all passengers and crew disembarked normally.” The spokesperson added that engineers and safety teams are following standard protocols for such runway contact events.

The airline confirmed that “The aircraft has been grounded for detailed inspection. The incident will be investigated in accordance with established procedures, in coordination with the relevant regulatory authorities,” highlighting that checks will cover structural integrity and flight data. DGCA has yet to release its own technical findings or public comments.

Air India tail strike and Delhi-Bengaluru flight disruption details

Air India said the grounding of the aircraft led to cancellation of the return Bengaluru-Delhi service, AI-2652. Passengers on that sector were shifted to other options where possible. “Alternative arrangements are being made to accommodate affected passengers at the earliest. Our ground teams in Bengaluru are providing all necessary assistance. Air India regrets the inconvenience caused. The safety of our passengers and crew remains our highest priority,” the spokesperson said.

A second airline official linked the tail strike to wake turbulence. The official said a freight Boeing 747 had just departed when AI-2651 attempted to land and encountered disturbed air. Wind changes during this approach led the A-321 pilots to execute a go-around after the tail contacted the runway.

Experts describe a tail strike as contact between the aircraft’s rear fuselage and the runway, usually from a high nose angle during landing or take-off. While DGCA continues its inquiry, Air India and regulators are expected to analyse data recorders and crew actions to confirm how the Delhi-Bengaluru flight was affected and what safety lessons may follow.