A bus operated by Air India SATS caught fire near an Air India aircraft at Delhi’s Indira Gandhi International Airport Terminal 3 on October 28, 2025. The incident occurred around 1 pm near bay 32, one of the busiest areas of the terminal.
Fire Near Aircraft Raises Alarm
Airport officials said the bus was empty except for the driver, who escaped unhurt. The vehicle was heading to pick up airline crew and was not carrying passengers. Thick black smoke quickly surrounded the bay, alarming airport staff and nearby crew.
Firefighting Team Responds Swiftly
Videos circulating online showed flames dangerously close to a parked aircraft. The Airport Rescue and Firefighting team reached the spot within minutes and controlled the fire before it spread. Their quick response prevented a potential disaster.
Operations Continue as Normal
The Central Industrial Security Force and local police immediately secured the site. Delhi International Airport Limited termed the fire an isolated incident and confirmed that all flight operations continued smoothly without delays or cancellations.
Cause of Fire Under Investigation
Authorities have begun investigating the cause of the blaze. Early findings suggest an electrical or mechanical fault in the CNG-powered bus. Air India SATS has also launched an internal inquiry and is working with the airport and Delhi Police.
Need for Stronger Vehicle Safety
The incident highlights the importance of strict maintenance checks for vehicles operating on the airport apron. Even a small lapse can cause major risks in such a high-security zone. No injuries were reported, but the episode has raised safety concerns among passengers.
An Air India bus at Delhi Airport’s Terminal 3, not too far away from a parked aircraft, suddenly caught fire on Tuesday. Officials confirmed that no passengers were onboard at the time.
The bus was operated by AI SATS, a ground-handling service provider for Air India, near bay… pic.twitter.com/UdP6Aa1qGP
— Breaking Aviation News & Videos (@aviationbrk) October 28, 2025
