Air India Flight AI2651 Grounded in Bengaluru Following Tailstrike Incident

On Thursday, May 21, 2026, Air India Flight AI2651 experienced a tailstrike while touching down at Kempegowda International Airport in Bengaluru. According to reporting by The Times of India, the domestic flight originating from New Delhi landed safely, and there were no injuries reported among the passengers or crew members on board.

Following the runway incident, the Airlines immediately removed the aircraft from service to conduct a comprehensive structural evaluation. The Times of India notes that the subsequent return leg to Delhi, operating as Flight AI2652, was called off. Airline ground teams were deployed at the airport to assist affected travelers with alternative flight arrangements.

Supplementary industry research indicates that the aircraft involved was an Airbus A321 carrying 181 passengers. The event highlights the rigorous safety protocols governing modern commercial aviation, particularly concerning airspace management and the prevention of long-term structural fatigue.

The Incident and Immediate Response

Navigating Wake Turbulence

The tailstrike reportedly occurred during a highly complex phase of the landing sequence. According to industry research reports, the flight crew had to initiate a tactical “go-around”, an aborted landing maneuver, to safely navigate wake turbulence. This invisible aerodynamic disturbance was reportedly generated by a preceding wide-body aircraft, identified in research data as a Boeing 747, which had recently departed the runway.

Wake turbulence consists of powerful air vortices trailing behind large, heavy aircraft as they generate lift. When a narrower commercial jet like the Airbus A321 encounters these vortices, it can experience sudden aerodynamic instability, requiring rapid and decisive pilot intervention to maintain control.

Passenger Safety and Grounding Protocols

Despite the physical impact of the tailstrike, the flight crew successfully managed the situation without compromising passenger safety. An official statement from the airline confirmed the secure conclusion of the flight.

“The aircraft landed safely, and all passengers and crew disembarked normally,” an Air India spokesperson stated, reiterating that passenger safety remains their highest priority.

The Times of India reports that the aircraft was grounded immediately for a detailed technical inspection. While tailstrikes are rarely catastrophic in the immediate aftermath, they require meticulous examination of the aircraft’s rear pressure bulkhead. If structural damage goes undetected, it can lead to severe metal fatigue over time, making immediate grounding a mandatory safety procedure.

Regulatory Investigation and Industry Context

Aviation Authorities Step In

A formal Investigation into the sequence of events is currently underway. The Times of India confirms that the probe will be conducted in close coordination with aviation authorities. Industry research specifies that the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) will lead the regulatory inquiry.

Investigators are expected to analyze data from the aircraft’s flight data recorders, commonly known as black boxes. The investigation will likely focus on pilot inputs, prevailing weather conditions at Kempegowda International Airport, and the exact separation distance maintained by Air Traffic Control (ATC) between the Airbus A321 and the preceding Boeing 747.

AirPro News analysis

At AirPro News, we observe that this incident underscores the growing complexities of managing highly congested airspace in India’s rapidly expanding aviation sector. Major hubs like Delhi and Bengaluru handle a dense, continuous mix of narrow-body and wide-body traffic. Maintaining precise ATC separation distances to allow wake vortices to dissipate is a critical, yet challenging, aspect of daily operations.

Furthermore, the immediate grounding of the Airbus A321 and the cancellation of the return flight demonstrate the industry’s strict adherence to zero-tolerance safety policies. While such measures inevitably cause passenger inconvenience, as seen with the cancellation of Flight AI2652, they are essential safeguards. This cautious approach aligns with recent industry trends, prioritizing structural integrity checks over schedule maintenance, ensuring that potential microscopic damage is addressed before an aircraft returns to the skies.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What is an aircraft tailstrike?

A tailstrike occurs when the rear section (empennage) of an airplane makes physical contact with the runway during takeoff or landing. It can be caused by a steep landing angle, strong crosswinds, or sudden maneuvers like a go-around.

Was anyone injured on Air India Flight AI2651?

No. According to The Times of India and airline statements, all 181 passengers and crew members disembarked safely without any reported injuries.

Why was the return flight, AI2652, canceled?

The return flight was canceled because the Airbus A321 involved in the tailstrike was immediately grounded. Aviation Safety protocols mandate a thorough technical inspection of the fuselage to ensure no structural damage occurred before the plane can fly again.

Sources: The Times of India