The advisory follows an incident involving one of the airline’s wide body jets after its return to New Delhi.

According to the airline, the aircraft experienced damage while taxiing after landing in low visibility conditions.

As a precautionary measure, the aircraft has been grounded for inspection and technical checks.

The airline stated that safety remains its top priority and that all necessary procedures are being followed.

Engineers are carrying out a detailed assessment before the aircraft is cleared to return to service.

Air India currently operates a small but growing fleet of A350 aircraft.

These planes are deployed on premium international routes connecting India with major global cities.

Routes served by the A350 include key destinations such as London and North America.

These services are an important part of the airline’s international expansion strategy.

While alternative aircraft are available on some sectors, operational adjustments may be required.

This could lead to changes in flight timings or aircraft assignments on select routes.

The airline has advised passengers to stay updated through official communication channels.

Customers affected by any changes are expected to be informed directly by the airline.

The incident occurred after the aircraft returned to Delhi following an earlier diversion.

The diversion was linked to airspace restrictions that required flight path adjustments.

After landing safely, the aircraft encountered an obstruction on the taxiway area.

This resulted in visible damage to one of the engines, prompting immediate action.

Aviation authorities have confirmed that an investigation is underway.

The focus remains on identifying the exact sequence of events and preventing recurrence.

Images shared by regulators showed localized damage within the engine intake section.

Such inspections are standard practice to ensure continued airworthiness of the aircraft.

Air India emphasized that the issue was identified on the ground and not during flight.

All passengers and crew were reported safe, with no injuries involved.

The airline has been investing heavily in fleet modernization.

The induction of A350 aircraft is part of a broader plan to improve passenger experience.

Industry observers note that temporary disruptions are not uncommon with new aircraft types.

Airlines often take additional precautions during the early phase of operations.

Air India’s response reflects its commitment to maintaining high safety standards.

Grounding the aircraft until repairs are completed aligns with global aviation norms.

Passengers planning to travel on affected routes may see short term changes.

However, the airline aims to minimize inconvenience through careful scheduling.

Officials have indicated that repair work will proceed without delay.

Once cleared, the aircraft will be gradually reintroduced into the schedule.

The incident has drawn attention due to the prominence of the routes involved.

Long haul international services are a key focus area for the carrier.

Air India continues to operate other aircraft on similar routes where feasible.

This flexibility helps ensure continuity of service during maintenance periods.

Overall, the situation is being managed within established safety and regulatory frameworks.

The airline has reassured travelers that operations remain safe and reliable.

The request has gained urgency as operational costs climb sharply, adding significant pressure to an airline that is already battling losses and recovering from past disruptions.

The appeal coincides with the recent resumption of direct flights between India and China, restarting after a five-year break caused by heightened tensions and a military clash along the Himalayan border.

Industry observers say the timing underscores Air India’s widening challenge of sustaining long-haul operations both financially and strategically.

Air India’s international network has been recovering slowly after a dramatic setback earlier this year, when one of its long-haul aircraft crashed during a flight to London, leading to a temporary safety review and reduced global schedules.

While the airline has been working on restoring confidence and rebuilding operations, new geopolitical and logistical constraints have complicated those efforts.

Since April, Pakistan has kept its airspace closed to Indian carriers following a diplomatic rift, creating costly diversions on routes to Europe and North America.

Air India, the only Indian carrier with a substantial global footprint, has been disproportionately affected, increasing flight times by up to three hours and driving up fuel expenses by nearly 30% on certain routes.

An internal document submitted to Indian authorities outlines the airline’s concern that these extended routes are eroding profitability at a time when financial performance is already under strain.

The airline noted that the Pakistan airspace closure alone could impact its annual profit before tax by more than $450 million, a figure that surpasses its losses from the previous fiscal year.

To mitigate the burden, Air India wants clearance to use a faster routing through Xinjiang and seek access to emergency landing facilities in Hotan, Kashgar and Urumqi in case of unexpected diversions.

Officials familiar with the matter say the government is reviewing the proposal and evaluating whether diplomatic channels could be used to negotiate with Beijing.

The specific airspace the airline hopes to access lies near rugged mountain ranges rising above 20,000 feet and is generally avoided by many carriers due to the risks associated with decompression events in areas with limited safe-landing options.

The region also falls under the Western Theater Command of China’s military, which oversees operations along the India border and maintains advanced surveillance, missile and air-defence systems.

Military analysts note that China exercises strict control over its airspace, especially in strategic regions, limiting commercial flight corridors compared with most major aviation markets.

Recent satellite imagery shared by independent tracking sources suggests ongoing expansion of military aviation infrastructure at Hotan, one of the airports Air India hopes to use.

Without access to this shorter corridor, some long-haul routes may become increasingly difficult to operate at sustainable cost levels, according to the airline’s internal assessment.

This has raised concerns that Air India’s broader international ambitions could be challenged unless an alternative solution is secured through diplomatic or regional negotiations.

Air India has not publicly commented on the details of the proposal, and authorities in India, China and Pakistan have not issued formal responses regarding the request.

However, government officials have indicated that the situation is being reviewed with sensitivity to regional security considerations and existing bilateral complexities.

As the airline continues its long-term transformation under the Tata Group and Singapore Airlines partnership, operational efficiency and competitive route access remain central to its recovery strategy.

Industry analysts say securing new air corridors could play a decisive role in shaping Air India’s ability to compete with international rivals and maintain global connectivity despite geopolitical constraints.