Hong Kong-Delhi Air India plane's auxiliary power unit catches fire after landing

In a post-landing scare at the Delhi airport, the Air India flight AI 315 arriving from Hong Kong on July 22 reported a fire in its auxiliary power unit (APU) moments after docking at the gate.

The fire broke out while passengers had already begun disembarking.

The airline confirmed that the APU, a small engine located in the aircraft’s tail used to power systems while on the ground, was automatically shut down by onboard systems as designed. While there was some damage to the aircraft, all passengers and crew exited safely and without injury.

“Flight AI 315, operating from Hong Kong to Delhi on 22 July 2025, experienced an auxiliary power unit (APU) fire shortly after it had landed and parked at the gate. The incident occurred while passengers had begun disembarking, and the APU was automatically shut down as per system design. There was some damage to the aircraft; however, passengers and crew members disembarked normally, and are safe,” an Air India spokesperson said.

The aircraft has been grounded pending a detailed technical examination. The airline has also informed the aviation regulator, which is expected to conduct an independent inquiry into the incident.