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.

Marriott International has launched its trailblazing food and beverage campaign, “Toh, Aaj Jaana Kahan Hai?”, across South Asia, setting the stage for a new era of tech-integrated, experience-driven dining. Bollywood icon Kareena Kapoor Khan anchors the campaign, bringing her signature charm and mass appeal to Marriott’s diverse restaurant offerings in India.

This first-of-its-kind campaign blends storytelling, technology, and hospitality, turning Marriott’s restaurants and lounges into more than just dining venues, they become destinations for memorable, immersive experiences. Running from July to September 2025, the campaign aims to transform the way guests discover and engage with culinary journeys, making Marriott hotels the go-to spots for food lovers across the region.

At the heart of the campaign is a delightful video series starring Kareena Kapoor Khan. From elegant brunches to themed dinners, each film invites viewers into Marriott’s world of gastronomic delights, answering the common question we all ask before heading out: “Toh, aaj jaana kahan hai?” Whether it’s a spontaneous celebration, a casual hangout, or a romantic dinner, Marriott positions itself as the perfect answer. 

“Some of my favourite memories have been created around a table—whether it’s Sunday brunch with family or a spontaneous dinner with friends,” said Kareena Kapoor Khan. “Marriott’s campaign is an invitation for everyone to make space for those moments again. And with so many incredible options across a city near you, the only question is: Toh, aaj jaana kahan hai?”

With a strong emphasis on digital evolution, Marriott’s campaign integrates automation, personalized recommendations, and content-rich storytelling to connect with today’s experience-driven diners. The tech-savvy approach enables smarter and faster table reservations, making it easier for guests to explore dining options effortlessly.

“At Marriott, we believe the future of F&B lies in combining tech innovation with the sensory experience of dining out,” said Khushnooma Kapadia, Vice President - Marketing, South Asia at Marriott International. “With this campaign, we’re cutting down the search journey for diners and offering curated content, targeted discovery, and seamless booking mechanisms. Kareena Kapoor was the perfect choice—authentic, relatable, and with a deep passion for food.”

From boosting footfalls at Marriott’s restaurants to deepening guest engagement, the campaign sets a new benchmark in the hospitality industry. It also signals Marriott’s commitment to curating richer experiences, one story, one meal, and one guest at a time.

Hyatt Regency Pune has announced the promotion of Rajeev Rawat to the position of Director of Operations. Rawat, who joined the hotel in February 2024 as Director of Rooms, brings with him over a decade of rich experience in luxury hospitality.

Since coming onboard, Rawat has played a pivotal role in enhancing operational excellence, driving revenue growth, and elevating guest satisfaction. Under his leadership, the Rooms Division saw remarkable improvements in profitability, sustainability, and overall guest experience.

In his new role, Rajeev Rawat will oversee the daily functioning of all key departments while continuing to lead service innovation across touchpoints. His focus will also remain on aligning operations with the strategic goals of the hotel, aimed at delivering world-class guest experiences.

With a background that includes leading brands like JW Marriott, Rawat is known for his strong leadership and deep understanding of hotel operations.

“We are excited to see Rajeev take on this expanded leadership role. His passion for hospitality, team leadership, and operational acumen will continue to strengthen our hotel’s commitment to excellence,” said Ramandeep Marwah, General Manager, Hyatt Regency Pune & Residences.