New Delhi: A major incident was averted at Indira Gandhi International (IGI) Airport on Tuesday morning after an Air India staff bus caught fire near Terminal 3. Quick response from airport authorities and fire personnel prevented the flames from spreading to nearby operational areas. Fortunately, no passengers or crew were injured in the incident.

Fire breaks out near Terminal 3 apron area

According to officials from the Delhi Fire Service (DFS), the fire was reported at around 10:50 a.m. from the apron area of Terminal 3, where airline buses usually ferry crew and ground staff. Three fire tenders were immediately rushed to the spot, and the blaze was brought under control within minutes.

Visuals shared from the airport showed thick smoke rising from the burning vehicle as firefighters worked to douse the flames. The affected bus was parked at the time of the incident and was not carrying any passengers.

Cause of fire under investigation

Preliminary reports suggest that the fire may have been triggered by an electrical short circuit in the engine compartment, though officials are yet to confirm the exact cause. An Air India spokesperson said that the bus was undergoing routine operations when smoke was noticed by a driver nearby, who immediately raised an alarm.

“The fire was swiftly contained, and there were no injuries. An internal investigation has been initiated, and a detailed report will be submitted to the concerned authorities,” the spokesperson added.

Airport operations remain unaffected

Authorities confirmed that flight operations at Terminal 3 continued without disruption. The Delhi International Airport Limited (DIAL), which manages IGI Airport, stated that emergency teams acted promptly as per protocol.

“There was no impact on passenger movement or aircraft operations. Safety drills were followed efficiently, and the fire was extinguished within minutes,” said a DIAL official.

Safety protocols under review

Following the incident, Air India and airport officials have initiated a safety audit to assess all ground vehicles operating within the airside area. The review will focus on maintenance records, electrical systems, and compliance with fire safety standards.

A senior Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) official confirmed that the regulator has sought a detailed report from Air India regarding the maintenance schedule of its ground transport fleet.

“Even though this was a ground incident, it falls under our purview as part of airport safety oversight. We will ensure all operators follow the prescribed fire prevention guidelines,” the official said.

Fire service response praised

The quick response from Delhi Fire Service personnel has drawn praise from both Air India management and airport staff. “Our team received the call at 10:50 a.m. and reached the site within four minutes. The fire was completely extinguished by 11:05 a.m.,” said DFS Chief Atul Garg.

He added that while no casualties were reported, the bus was significantly damaged. The cooling process was carried out to prevent any secondary ignition.

Similar past incidents raise concern

Though no major accidents have been recorded recently at IGI Airport, minor fire incidents involving ground service equipment have occurred in the past. Experts say that with increasing flight volumes and equipment usage, regular checks and modernisation of old vehicles are essential to prevent such occurrences.

Aviation analyst Harish Khatri noted, “The airport’s safety response has been commendable, but this incident highlights the importance of preventive maintenance. Ground vehicles operate in sensitive zones, and even a small fire can lead to operational chaos if not managed swiftly.”

Conclusion

As investigations continue, authorities have assured that passenger and staff safety remains the top priority. The Air India bus fire serves as a reminder of the need for rigorous maintenance and compliance protocols across India’s busiest airports. With no casualties and minimal operational impact, the prompt action of emergency teams ensured the situation was swiftly brought under control.