Air India Flight Encounters Tail Strike During Landing in Bengaluru

May 21, 2026

Bengaluru, May 21: An Air India flight traveling from New Delhi to Bengaluru experienced a tail strike while landing at Bengaluru International Airport. The airline reported that the incident occurred during the landing phase. Fortunately, all 179 passengers and crew members onboard were unharmed.

Flight AI 2651 was forced to stop after the rear of the aircraft collided with an object during its landing approach. Air India confirmed that the plane landed safely, and all passengers and crew disembarked without incident.

Following the event, the flight was held for investigation. Air India stated that the inquiry would proceed according to standard procedures. Due to the aircraft’s inability to take off, the return flight AI 2652 from Bengaluru to Delhi was canceled.

The airline is making alternative arrangements for the affected passengers.

In related news, Civil Aviation Minister Ram Mohan Naidu recently mentioned that the investigation into the crash of Air India flight AI 171 in Ahmedabad, which resulted in the loss of 260 lives, is in its final stages. The investigation is expected to conclude within a month.

Naidu emphasized that the inquiry is being conducted by the Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) and that the ministry is not intervening, providing all necessary resources. He stressed the need for transparency in the investigation, noting that the final report will be subject to international scrutiny due to the presence of foreign nationals on the ill-fated flight.

The AAIB submitted its preliminary investigation report to the Ministry of Civil Aviation on July 12, 2025. In response to concerns raised by some victims’ families regarding communication issues and delays in compensation, Naidu assured that the ministry is closely monitoring the situation and is in contact with Air India.

This tragic accident occurred on June 12, 2025, when Air India flight AI 171, operated by a Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner, took off from Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport’s runway 23 bound for London Gatwick.