A potentially tragic mishap was narrowly averted on Monday when Air India flight AI315, arriving from Hong Kong, experienced a fire in its auxiliary power unit (APU) moments after landing at Delhi’s Indira Gandhi International Airport.

The aircraft, an Airbus A321, had just taxied to the gate and was preparing for passenger disembarkation when flames were detected near the tail section. Airport emergency services responded immediately, activating the aircraft's onboard safety systems and dousing the fire within minutes. Thanks to the quick response, no injuries were reported among the 170 passengers and crew on board.

This marks the second safety-related incident involving Air India within 24 hours, following a runway excursion at Mumbai Airport on Sunday where another aircraft suffered burst tyres during landing due to waterlogging. These back-to-back occurrences have raised fresh concerns around operational checks and maintenance protocols within the airline, especially in the wake of the Ahmedabad Dreamliner tragedy earlier this year.

In a statement, Air India confirmed that the fire originated in the auxiliary power unit—a system located in the tail of the aircraft that supplies energy when the main engines are off. The cause is currently under investigation by the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA). The aircraft has been grounded pending a full technical evaluation.

While passengers remained largely unaware during the initial moments of the fire due to the crew’s calm handling, video footage and images circulating across news outlets—including Tamil media like Dinamalar—have drawn public attention and concern.

Industry Reaction & Aviation Safety

Experts believe this incident highlights the need for intensified preventive maintenance, especially amid India’s surging post-pandemic air travel demand. “Every touchpoint in airline safety—from ground handling to technical maintenance—needs to be foolproof. Incidents like these shake passenger confidence,” said an aviation safety analyst.

With Air India undergoing a massive transformation under the Tata Group’s ownership, including major fleet upgrades and service rehauls, such safety lapses pose serious reputational risks.

The Bigger Picture

For the hospitality and tourism ecosystem, airline reliability is directly tied to destination trust. A chain reaction from aviation mishaps can ripple through hotel bookings, tour operator confidence, and even business travel trends.

As investigations continue, the aviation community and travelers alike will be watching closely to see how swiftly and transparently Air India addresses these issues.

There is something magical about the world after sunset. This year, elevate your travel experiences with the moonlit coastlines, twilight cityscapes, overnight safaris, and stargazing escapes that night tourism has to offer. Here’s a curated list of unique nighttime destinations making waves this summer — and why they deserve a spot in your 2025 travel itinerary.

Ras Al Khaimah, UAE

Far from the gleaming skyscrapers of Dubai lies Ras Al Khaimah, an oasis of luxury and adventure. Nestled within the Al Wadi Nature Reserve, Sonara Camp offers a fine-dining experience under the stars complete with live entertainment. For those craving adventure, the Nocturnal Summit Series takes thrill-seekers to Camp 1770, the highest campsite in the UAE, where starlit hikes, traditional Emirati dinners, and bonfires turn the desert into a dream. Back in the city, Ula Beach Bar at Mövenpick Resort Al Marjan Island makes for an unforgettable sundowner spot with views of the Persian Gulf and Al Marjan’s coral-shaped islands.

Laikipia, Kenya

Nightfall in Kenya isn’t the end of the adventure — it’s just the beginning. In Laikipia’s Ol Pejeta Conservancy, one of the few places in Kenya offering legal night safaris, you can spot the Big Five by spotlight. Guided night drives are also available in Lewa and Mara Naboisho conservancies, where nocturnal creatures roam free. Pack neutral layers — the temperatures drop, but the thrill only escalates.

Seychelles

As day fades to dusk, Seychelles comes alive in entirely new ways. From sunset cruises on the Indian Ocean to romantic twilight beach dinners at Beau Vallon in Mahé, there’s magic in every moment. Adventurous travelers can take part in night hikes on Silhouette, North, and Fregate Islands, led by the Seychelles Islands Foundation. These offer chances to spot rare nocturnal species like the Sheath-tailed Bat and nesting sea turtles. For a cultural twist, the Takamaka Rum Distillery throws lively Creole nights on Fridays, blending local food, music, and rum until 10 p.m.

Doha, Qatar

In Doha, night is when the city truly glows. Explore the vibrant Souq Waqif for spices, textiles, and authentic street food, or head to Katara Cultural Village for open-air performances and art exhibits. Dhow boat cruises along the Corniche offer stellar skyline views, while The Pearl-Qatar sets the stage for luxurious waterfront dining. For a more secluded escape, stargazing in the desert near the Inland Sea and camel rides on night safaris offer a cultural immersion under celestial skies.

Sri Lanka

Sri Lanka’s central highlands become a quiet haven by night. At Teardrop Hotels’ Camellia Hills, take a guided night walk through serene tea estates with an in-house naturalist. Using ultraviolet flashlights, spot the glowing eyes of owls, porcupines, Sambar deer — and perhaps even a stealthy leopard. While sightings are never guaranteed, the silence and suspense of the misty forest under the stars make this a poetic and unforgettable encounter with the wild.

Tokyo Skytree, Japan

Rising 2,080 feet above Tokyo, the Skytree becomes a kaleidoscope of color at night. Visitors can ascend to the Tembo Decks for panoramic city views, walk the glass skywalk of the Tembo Galleria, or catch immersive light shows at the SKYTREE ROUND THEATER. From sipping coffee above the city to fine dining at Sky Restaurant 634, a night at the Skytree blends thrill with elegance — perfect for couples, solo travelers, and groups alike.

Whether you're seeking cultural connections, natural wonder, or city lights from new heights, night tourism in 2025 invites you to step out after dark and explore the world when it’s at its most serene and spectacular.

In a major humanitarian move, Tata Sons has announced the formation of a ₹500 crore public charitable trust to support the victims and affected individuals of the recent Air India AI-171 tragedy in Ahmedabad. Named The AI-171 Memorial and Welfare Trust, this initiative reflects the group's commitment to offering both immediate and long-term support to the families of those who lost their lives, those who sustained injuries, and others impacted by the tragic incident.

Registered in Mumbai, the Trust will provide ex-gratia assistance of ₹1 crore to the families of the deceased and cover the medical treatment for seriously injured survivors. Additionally, the Trust will support the rebuilding of the B.J. Medical College Hostel infrastructure, which suffered damage during the incident.

The initiative also acknowledges the tireless efforts of first responders, healthcare professionals, disaster relief workers, and government staff by including them in the welfare ambit. The Trust aims to help them cope with trauma and stress resulting from their crucial service in the aftermath of the tragedy.

Tata Sons and Tata Trusts will each contribute ₹250 crore, totalling ₹500 crore towards the Trust’s philanthropic initiatives. A five-member Board of Trustees will oversee the operations, with S. Padmanabhan, former Tata veteran, and Sidharth Sharma, General Counsel at Tata Sons, appointed as the initial trustees. More appointments will follow.

Once necessary registrations and formalities with tax authorities are completed, the Trust will commence its operations in full swing, ensuring a robust and compassionate response to one of India’s most tragic aviation incidents in recent years.