Air India A350 Engine Damaged by Cargo Container at Delhi Airport After Iran Airspace Closure

An Air India Airbus A350 flight (AI101) from Delhi to New York was forced to return shortly after takeoff due to the sudden closure of Iranian airspace. After landing safely at Delhi's IGI Airport amid dense fog, the aircraft's right engine ingested a cargo container that had fallen onto the taxiway, causing substantial damage. The aircraft was grounded for investigation and repairs, with no injuries reported. The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) is probing the incident, which may disrupt select A350 routes. Air India is assisting affected passengers with alternative arrangements and refunds.