Air India Hong Kong-Delhi Flight APU Catches Fire After Landing

Air India Flight AI 315 had an auxiliary power unit fire after landing on July 22, 2025. Safety systems and emergency teams acted quickly, allowing safe evacuation. The plane is grounded for DGCA and AAIB investigations, potentially prompting new safety measures for Indian aviation.

VisaVerge.com
Key takeaways

A fire broke out in the auxiliary power unit of Air India Flight AI 315 on July 22, 2025.
All 140 passengers and crew disembarked safely; no injuries were reported during the incident.
The aircraft is grounded pending DGCA and AAIB investigations following the incident at Delhi airport.

Passengers and crew on Air India Flight AI 315 faced a tense moment on July 22, 2025, when a fire broke out in the auxiliary power unit (APU) just after landing at Indira Gandhi International Airport in Delhi. Thanks to quick action by the aircraft’s safety systems and airport emergency teams, everyone disembarked safely, and the fire was quickly put out.

What Happened on Air India Flight AI 315?

Air India Hong Kong-Delhi Flight APU Catches Fire After Landing
Air India Hong Kong-Delhi Flight APU Catches Fire After Landing

On the morning of July 22, Air India Flight AI 315, which had traveled from Hong Kong to Delhi, arrived at Indira Gandhi International Airport. As the plane parked at the gate and passengers began to leave, the auxiliary power unit—an important part that supplies electricity when the main engines are off—caught fire. The APU’s safety system immediately detected the problem and shut itself down. Emergency teams at the airport responded right away, following strict safety procedures.

All passengers and crew left the plane safely. There were no injuries, and no one needed medical help. The fire was contained to the APU, and the rest of the aircraft was not affected. Air India confirmed that the aircraft is now grounded for a full investigation and will not return to service until it is declared safe.

Immediate Response and Safety Protocols

The quick response to the fire on Air India Flight AI 315 highlights the importance of modern safety systems and well-trained crews. The APU’s automatic shutdown worked as designed, stopping the fire from spreading. Airport emergency teams arrived quickly and followed all safety rules. Delhi International Airport Limited (DIAL) confirmed that the fire was put out fast and that all safety steps were followed.

A spokesperson for Air India said, “The safety of our passengers and crew is always our top priority. We are grateful that everyone is safe and thank the airport teams for their quick action.” The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), which is India’s top aviation regulator, was notified right away and is now leading the investigation.

Aircraft Status and Investigation

After the incident, the affected aircraft was taken out of service. Air India stated that there was some damage to the plane, but there is no ongoing risk to passengers or airport operations. The DGCA and the Air Accidents Investigation Bureau (AAIB) are both investigating what caused the fire. The results of their investigation will help decide if any new safety steps are needed.

According to analysis by VisaVerge.com, the DGCA has already increased its oversight of Air India’s fleet after several recent incidents. The agency is expected to release a preliminary report on the APU fire within a few weeks. Depending on what they find, there could be new rules or safety checks for Air India and possibly other airlines in India 🇮🇳.

Background: Recent Safety Concerns and Policy Changes

The fire on Air India Flight AI 315 comes at a time when Air India’s safety record is under close watch. In June 2025, a tragic crash involving an Air India Boeing Dreamliner in Ahmedabad led to the deaths of 260 people. Early findings from that crash suggested that a fuel supply cutoff caused both engines to shut down soon after takeoff.

In response, Air India completed precautionary inspections on the Fuel Control Switch (FCS) locking mechanisms for all Boeing 787 and Boeing 737 aircraft in its fleet earlier in July 2025. These checks were done following DGCA safety directives. No problems were found during these inspections, but the airline and regulators remain on high alert.

A spokesperson for the DGCA said, “We are committed to ensuring the highest safety standards. All recent incidents are being thoroughly investigated, and we will take further action if needed.”

How the Incident Affects Passengers and Flight Operations

For passengers, the most important news is that everyone on board Air India Flight AI 315 is safe. The fire was contained, and there was no need for emergency slides or special medical help. However, the aircraft involved is now grounded, which may cause minor delays or changes to Air India’s Hong Kong-Delhi route until a replacement plane is found or the current one is cleared for use.

Passengers traveling with Air India in the coming weeks should be aware that there may be extra safety checks and possible delays as the DGCA increases its oversight. Air India has set up a special helpline for affected passengers and is sharing updates on its website and through customer service channels.

💡 Tip
If you’re flying with Air India soon, regularly check your flight status online for potential delays due to increased safety checks and investigations following the recent APU fire incident.

Key Points for Passengers:
No injuries reported on Air India Flight AI 315
Normal disembarkation—no emergency slides used
Aircraft grounded for investigation
Possible minor delays on the Hong Kong-Delhi route
Extra safety checks may cause delays on other flights

Regulatory Oversight and Industry Response

The DGCA is leading the investigation into the APU fire and has already taken steps to improve safety across Air India’s fleet. The agency’s actions include:
Fleet-wide inspections of key safety systems
Close monitoring of Air India’s maintenance and operations
Ongoing investigations into both the APU fire and the June Dreamliner crash

Delhi International Airport Limited (DIAL) praised the quick response of its emergency teams and said that all safety steps were followed. The airport remains fully operational, and there is no risk to other flights.

Aviation safety experts say that while fires in the auxiliary power unit are rare, modern aircraft are built to handle such problems. The automatic shutdown of the APU and the safe, orderly disembarkation of passengers on Air India Flight AI 315 show that safety systems and training are working as they should.

Expert Opinions and Passenger Advocacy

Aviation experts agree that the incident was managed well. One industry analyst noted, “The fact that the fire was quickly detected, the APU shut down automatically, and everyone left the plane safely shows that the safety systems in place are effective.”

However, some passenger advocacy groups are calling for more transparency and frequent safety audits. They want airlines and regulators to share more information about safety checks and any problems found, so travelers can feel confident about flying.

What Is an Auxiliary Power Unit (APU)?

The auxiliary power unit is a small engine located in the tail of most large aircraft. Its main job is to provide electricity and air conditioning when the main engines are off, such as when the plane is parked at the gate. The APU also helps start the main engines before takeoff. While fires in the APU are rare, they can happen due to mechanical problems or fuel leaks. Modern planes have automatic systems that detect fires and shut down the APU to prevent the fire from spreading.

Recent Safety Record and Industry Context

The APU fire on Air India Flight AI 315 is the latest in a series of safety incidents for Air India. The June 2025 Dreamliner crash in Ahmedabad was a major tragedy and has led to increased scrutiny of Air India’s maintenance and safety procedures. The DGCA has responded by ordering more inspections and reviewing safety protocols across the airline’s fleet.

Aviation experts say that while these incidents are serious, the overall safety record of commercial aviation in India 🇮🇳 remains strong. Most flights operate without problems, and safety systems are designed to handle emergencies.

⚠️ Important
Be cautious of misinformation regarding flight safety. Always rely on official updates from Air India or the DGCA to stay informed about any changes or safety protocols.

What Happens Next?

The DGCA and the Air Accidents Investigation Bureau are expected to release their initial findings on the APU fire soon. If they find any problems with the aircraft’s design, maintenance, or crew training, they may order new safety checks or changes across the industry. This could include:
More frequent inspections of APUs and other key systems
Extra training for flight crews and maintenance staff
Upgrades to equipment or safety procedures

Air India has promised to cooperate fully with the investigation and to follow any new rules that are put in place. The airline is also keeping passengers informed through its website and customer service channels.

Practical Guidance for Travelers

If you are planning to fly with Air India or through Indira Gandhi International Airport, here are some steps you can take:
Check your flight status before heading to the airport, as there may be minor delays
Visit Air India’s official website for updates and contact information
Contact Air India’s helpline if you have questions or concerns about your flight
Stay informed about any new safety advisories from the DGCA

For official updates on aviation safety and regulatory actions, you can visit the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) official website.

Summary Table: Air India AI 315 APU Fire Incident (July 22, 2025)

Aspect Details
Date & Flight July 22, 2025; Air India AI 315 (Hong Kong–Delhi)
Incident Auxiliary Power Unit (APU) fire after landing, during disembarkation
Immediate Response APU auto-shutdown, emergency protocols enacted, fire extinguished
Passengers & Crew All safe; normal disembarkation
Aircraft Status Grounded for investigation
Regulatory Action DGCA notified, investigation ongoing
Recent Policy Context Fleet-wide FCS inspections after June 2025 Dreamliner crash
Practical Impact No injuries, minor operational disruption, increased safety oversight
Future Outlook Awaiting investigation results, possible further safety directives

Looking Ahead: What This Means for the Aviation Community

The safe outcome of the Air India Flight AI 315 incident shows the value of strong safety systems and quick action by trained crews. While the fire was a serious event, the automatic shutdown of the auxiliary power unit and the safe disembarkation of passengers prevented injuries and further damage.

For Air India, this incident is a reminder of the need for constant attention to safety, especially after the recent Dreamliner crash. The airline’s decision to ground the affected aircraft and cooperate fully with investigators is a positive step.

For passengers, the main takeaway is that modern aircraft are designed to handle emergencies, and crews are trained to keep everyone safe. Still, it is natural to feel concerned after hearing about such incidents. Travelers should stay informed, follow airline updates, and know that regulators like the DGCA are working to keep flying as safe as possible.

Conclusion and Next Steps

As the investigation into the Air India Flight AI 315 APU fire continues, passengers and the public can expect more information from the DGCA and Air India in the coming weeks. Any new safety rules or changes will be shared with airlines and travelers to help prevent similar incidents in the future.

If you have questions about your flight or want to know more about aviation safety, check the official websites of Air India and the DGCA. Stay alert for updates, and remember that safety is always the top priority for airlines and regulators alike.

By following these steps and staying informed, travelers can feel confident that their safety is being taken seriously, even in the face of unexpected events like the APU fire on Air India Flight AI 315 at Indira Gandhi International Airport.

Learn Today

Auxiliary Power Unit (APU) → A small engine in aircraft providing electricity and air conditioning when main engines are off.
Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) → India’s main aviation regulator overseeing safety standards and investigations.
Fuel Control Switch (FCS) → A mechanism controlling fuel supply to engines, crucial for safe aircraft operation.
Air Accidents Investigation Bureau (AAIB) → Indian authority responsible for investigating civil aviation accidents and incidents.
Indira Gandhi International Airport → Major international airport in Delhi, India, where the Air India AI 315 incident occurred.

This Article in a Nutshell

On July 22, Air India Flight AI 315 experienced a fire in its auxiliary power unit after landing in Delhi. Thanks to modern safety systems and quick emergency response, all passengers evacuated safely, and the fire was extinguished without injuries or damage to other parts of the aircraft.
— By VisaVerge.com

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Shashank Singh
Breaking News Reporter
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As a Breaking News Reporter at VisaVerge.com, Shashank Singh is dedicated to delivering timely and accurate news on the latest developments in immigration and travel. His quick response to emerging stories and ability to present complex information in an understandable format makes him a valuable asset. Shashank's reporting keeps VisaVerge's readers at the forefront of the most current and impactful news in the field.
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