Air India flight AI 315, an Airbus A321 that had flown in from Hong Kong, experienced a fire in its auxiliary power unit (APU) shortly after landing at Delhi’s Indira Gandhi International Airport. The APU, a small engine located in the tail section used to power aircraft systems on the ground, ignited while the plane was at the gate and passengers were disembarking.

Thanks to automated safety systems, the APU shut down immediately, ensuring the blaze was contained quickly. Although the fire caused damage to the aircraft, there were no injuries among the ~170 passengers or crew onboard.

Air India grounded the aircraft for a detailed technical inspection and has reported the incident to the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA). Initial indications suggest a maintenance-related issue may have triggered the fire, but a full investigation is now underway to determine the precise cause.

It did not result in harm to those onboard. Authorities are scrutinizing both maintenance protocols and APU operation procedures in response.