On May 21, 2026, an Air India flight, designated AI2651, encountered a tail strike while landing at Bengaluru International Airport. The aircraft was carrying 179 passengers and crew members when the incident occurred. Fortunately, the flight landed safely, allowing all individuals on board to disembark without any injuries. Following the tail strike, the aircraft has been grounded for a meticulous inspection to ensure safety and compliance with aviation regulations.
The airline has stated that an investigation into the incident will be conducted according to their established protocols. This procedure is essential to ascertain the cause of the tail strike and to prevent future occurrences. As a direct result of this grounding, the return flight AI2652 from Bengaluru to Delhi has been canceled. Air India is actively working on alternative arrangements to accommodate the affected passengers as quickly as possible.
- Safety measures implemented — Air India is ensuring thorough inspections and passenger accommodations.
- Minister’s statement on crash investigation — Civil Aviation Minister Ram Mohan Naidu confirmed ongoing investigations into a previous crash.
- Transparency in aviation safety — The ministry emphasizes the importance of transparency in the investigation process.
In a related context, Civil Aviation Minister Ram Mohan Naidu recently addressed concerns regarding the ongoing investigation into a tragic incident involving Air India flight AI 171. This flight, which occurred on June 12, 2025, resulted in the loss of 260 lives when a Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner crashed shortly after takeoff from Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport towards London Gatwick. Minister Naidu assured that the investigation is in its final stages and is expected to conclude within a month, under the jurisdiction of the Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB).
Naidu emphasized that the investigation is being conducted with complete transparency and that the final report will undergo international scrutiny, especially since foreign nationals were among the victims. He acknowledged the concerns raised by families of the victims regarding communication and compensation delays from Air India, stating that the ministry is in constant contact with the airline to monitor the situation closely.
