Air India Plane’s Auxiliary Power Unit Catches Fire After Landing in Delhi
New Delhi, India: An Air India Airbus A321 aircraft’s auxiliary power unit (APU) ignited after it arrived at Delhi airport after departing from Hong Kong on Tuesday afternoon. Air India flight AI 315, operated via this route, suffered a fire shortly after it landed at the airport and had parked its vehicle near the gate. The crew and passengers aboard were reported to be in good health.
In an official announcement issued by the Air India spokesperson, “Flight AI 315, which was flying from Hong Kong to Delhi on 22 July 2025, suffered an APU that caught fire just after landing and was parked at the gate. The fire occurred as passengers began disembarking as well, and the APU was immediately shut down in accordance with the design of the system.”
The incident occurred when passengers were beginning their departure process. But the safety procedures were in place as per the plan, with the APU turning off automatically in order to limit any additional risk. A spokesperson from the airline said the crew members and passengers were able to board safely, and there were no reported injuries due to the fire.
The APU of an aircraft has a vital function in providing electric and pneumatic power in situations where the main engines aren’t operating, usually after landing or when preparing for flight. In this instance, the fire was contained to the tail portion of the aircraft in which the APU is situated. Although the fire was put out and didn’t cause immediate danger to passengers onboard, there was some damage to the aircraft. The airline said.
A spokesperson added that “the incident happened as passengers were getting off. Our team ensured passenger safety was the top priority and that the disembarkation process went through smoothly.”
Air India has launched a thorough investigation to identify what caused the fire and to determine the extent of the damage caused to the plane. The airline has been working with appropriate regulators to make sure that there is an accurate assessment as well as to strengthen safety measures.
This event serves to remind us of the crucial importance of strict safety measures in the aviation industry. Automatic shutdown of the APU shows the efficacy of the system’s designs that aim at eliminating potential dangers and guaranteeing the safety of passengers.
Air India also assured passengers of their dedication to ensuring high-quality safety. “We take this incident seriously and will ensure that every safety protocol is reviewed and reinforced to prevent such occurrences in the future,” Air India’s spokesperson said.
About Air India
Air India, the flagship airline of India, has a vast range of international and domestic flights. Established in 1932, Air India is committed to giving world-class service and the most stringent safety standards for its customers. Through a wide range of fleets and dedicated engineers and crew teams, Air India plays a major role in global and domestic air travel.
