BENGALURU- On January 5, 2025, an engine stalled on a Tata Group-owned Air India flight from Kempegowda International Airport Bengaluru (BLR) to Indira Gandhi International Airport (DEL) in Delhi.
Flight AI2820 was operated by an Airbus A320 registered as VT-TQE. Furthermore, it is a 3.8-year-old aircraft equipped with CFM LEAP-1A engines. It was also a former Vistara plane.
Air India Bengaluru to Delhi Flight Diverted
According to FlightRadar24 data, Air India flight AI2820 took off from Bengaluru with a delay of over one hour at 7:09 PM local time.
However, shortly after takeoff, at 8,000 feet, the flight had an engine stall (probably a compressor stall). For those who are unaware of it. Here’s a basic overview:
‘Engine stalls occur when operational processes halt unexpectedly, disrupting normal function. In aircraft engines, compressor stalls manifest as localized airflow disruptions within the gas turbine compressor system.
Compressor surges represent severe stall conditions, characterized by complete airflow disruption through the compressor unit. These incidents range from minor power fluctuations to total compression loss, necessitating fuel flow adjustments for operational recovery.’
The aircraft crew did not declare an emergency, but they did contact ATC and request a precautionary landing back in Bengaluru.
The crew circled in a holding pattern near the airport for several minutes to burn extra fuel and avoid a hard landing. The airplane landed safely at 8:11 PM IST.
The passenger disembarked, and the airline arranged for another aircraft. The flight took off from BLR at 11:47 PM IST and arrived safely at DEL at 2:03 AM IST on January 6, 2025.
Similar Incidents
On January 25, 2024, an American Airlines (AA) Airbus A321 (N153UW) flying AA1849 from Charlotte to Portland experienced an engine emergency. The aircraft had a stall in its left CFM56 engine while cruising at 32,000 feet, some 170 nautical miles south of Minneapolis.
The aircraft crew commenced emergency procedures and fell to 24,000 feet. Despite adhering to recommended checklists, standard engine restoration procedures were unsuccessful. The pilots diverted to Minneapolis-Saint Paul International Airport and landed on runway 12R within 45 minutes of their initial descent.
American Airlines used a replacement A321-200 (N994AN) to finish the flight, causing a 13-hour delay for passengers. The impacted aircraft was grounded in Minneapolis for more than three days after the incident.
This incident is identical to one that occurred in November 2023 on a United Airlines (UA) flight departing Newark Liberty International Airport, when the left engine compressor stalled. That incident required an emergency declaration and a 10,000-foot altitude restriction before returning to Newark.
What happened to Air India’s flight from Bengaluru to Delhi?
Air India’s flight from Bengaluru to Delhi experienced an engine stall during the flight, prompting immediate action by the crew to ensure passenger safety.
Was anyone injured during the engine stall incident?
No, there were no reported injuries. The crew managed the situation effectively, and the aircraft landed safely at its destination.
What is an engine stall on an aircraft?
An engine stall occurs when the engine’s airflow is disrupted, causing it to lose thrust temporarily. Pilots are trained to handle such situations to maintain flight safety.
How did the crew respond to the engine stall?
The crew followed standard operating procedures to address the engine stall, ensuring the safety of passengers and guiding the aircraft to a safe landing.
Did the engine stall affect the flight schedule of Air India?
The incident may have caused temporary delays, and Air India worked to accommodate affected passengers. Travelers are advised to check with Air India for updated flight information.
Will there be an investigation into the engine stall incident?
Yes, a detailed investigation will be conducted by Air India and aviation authorities to determine the cause of the engine stall and to prevent similar incidents in the future.
Is it safe to fly after an engine stall incident?
Yes, flying remains one of the safest modes of travel. Incidents like these are rare, and thorough investigations help improve safety standards further.
