An IndiGo Airbus A321 flight from Guwahati suffered a tail strike while landing at Bengaluru’s Kempegowda International Airport (KIA) on Sunday. The incident occurred during the second attempt at landing after the flight aborted its first approach. All passengers and crew are confirmed safe, according to the airline. The aircraft is currently undergoing maintenance checks before resuming operations, pending clearance from the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA).

The DGCA has initiated an investigation into the incident, which the airline described as an 'abnormal runway contact.' An IndiGo spokesperson stated that the flight experienced the issue during gusty weather at KIA, adding that all relevant authorities were informed. The airline has also noted that pilot training for this particular area has been enhanced in response to the incident.

The UK’s Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) reported that the rate of tail strike incidents per aircraft landing for the A321 is four times greater than that for the A320, likely due to the smaller margin from the normal flare attitude. The AAIB added that damage to the structural integrity of the fuselage should not pose a significant flight risk provided the tail strike is detected during or after landing. Tail strikes are a global phenomenon, with the International Air Transport Association (IATA) Safety Report noting that they were the most frequent type of incident in 2024 and 2025, although the fatality risk remains low.

According to IATA data, tail strikes were the most common non-fatal incidents globally in 2024 and 2025, with nine incidents recorded, followed by landing gear issues at seven and runway excursion at six. The report highlights that while tail strikes are frequent, the risk of fatalities remains minimal. However, the incident at KIA underscores the need for continued vigilance and adherence to safety protocols in aviation operations.

The DGCA’s probe is expected to determine the exact cause of the tail strike and assess whether any procedural or technical factors contributed to the incident. The airline has not disclosed whether the incident is part of a pattern or if there are any ongoing investigations into similar occurrences.

The incident raises questions about the safety of operations at KIA, particularly during adverse weather conditions. While the airline and authorities have confirmed that all passengers and crew are safe, the frequency of tail strikes globally suggests that further measures may be necessary to prevent such incidents. The DGCA’s findings will be crucial in determining whether additional training, equipment upgrades, or procedural changes are required to enhance safety at the airport.