Delhi Airport T3 Accident: Air India Passenger Bus Bursts Into Flames Near Aircraft! Driver narrowly escapes; who's responsible?

Delhi Airport T3 Scare: Air India Passenger Bus Bursts Into Flames Near Aircraft, Driver Escapes Unhurt

A sudden fire at Delhi’s Indira Gandhi International Airport (IGI) Terminal 3 on Tuesday afternoon sparked panic among passengers and staff. A CNG passenger bus belonging to Air India SATS (AISATS) caught fire just a few meters away from an aircraft, turning into a ball of flames within seconds.

The incident, which occurred around 1 PM, created chaos at the airport as thick black smoke filled the air and sirens blared across the tarmac. Fortunately, the bus was empty at the time, and only the driver was inside — who managed to escape without injury.

What Happened at T3: Moment-by-Moment Account

According to officials, the AISATS CNG shuttle bus was stationed near Bay 32 on the airside area of Terminal 3. These buses are typically used to transport passengers between the terminal and aircraft. Suddenly, sparks were seen coming from the engine, followed by flames that engulfed the bus.

A viral video from the scene shows the bus burning intensely, just 10–15 meters away from an Air India aircraft, as thick plumes of smoke rise into the sky. Panic briefly spread among ground staff and passengers witnessing the incident. CISF personnel and airport workers rushed to the spot immediately.

Quick Response Prevents Disaster

DCP (IGI Airport) Vichitra Veer confirmed that a PCR call was received immediately, and fire tenders, CISF personnel, and airport staff reached the location within two minutes.

“The fire was brought under control within three minutes. Thankfully, there were no passengers or luggage on board,” the DCP said.

The driver, realizing the danger, quickly jumped out of the bus to save himself, avoiding what could have been a major tragedy. The fire brigade’s rapid response and CISF’s quick action helped prevent any further escalation.

Possible Cause: Short Circuit Suspected

Preliminary investigations suggest that a short circuit in the CNG-powered bus might have triggered the fire. Officials from AISATS, a joint venture between Air India and Singapore’s SATS Ltd., confirmed that an internal probe has been launched to identify the exact cause.

A statement from Delhi International Airport Limited (DIAL) clarified that the incident did not disrupt airport operations, and flights continued on schedule. The bus will undergo a detailed mechanical inspection to determine whether faulty wiring or overheating was responsible.

Safety Concerns Resurface

The incident has once again raised questions about airport safety standards. Social media users shared the viral video, demanding accountability and stricter maintenance protocols for airside vehicles.

“If passengers had been inside, this could have turned into a major disaster,” one user wrote.
Another commented, “How can such a lapse happen right next to an aircraft? Safety reviews must be prioritized.”

This isn’t the first time IGI Airport has faced safety scrutiny. In June 2024, a roof collapse at Terminal 1 claimed one life and injured six others. Now, this T3 bus fire has reignited public concern about emergency preparedness at one of the world’s busiest airports, which handles over 79 million passengers annually.

A major fire incident was reported near Terminal 3 of Delhi Airport after a bus parked close to an Air India aircraft caught fire. Fortunately, no passengers were onboard, and no injuries have been reported.#DelhiAirport #AirIndia #BreakingNews #AirportFire #T3 #SafetyAlert… pic.twitter.com/FDFCCHLm0M

— Gulistan News (@GulistanNewsTV) October 28, 2025

Authorities Assure Full Investigation

Airport authorities have assured a thorough investigation into the incident.

“The fire was controlled quickly, and there was no impact on flight operations. The safety of passengers and staff remains our top priority,” an Air India spokesperson said.

Meanwhile, experts have urged the airport administration to conduct comprehensive safety audits of all CNG and electric vehicles operating in the airside area to prevent similar accidents in the future.

Final Take

The quick response by CISF and the fire department prevented what could have been a catastrophic event near an active aircraft bay. While no lives were lost, the incident serves as a serious wake-up call for aviation safety officials to strengthen their on-ground inspection and emergency systems at IGI Airport.