On July 23, Air India flight AI315 experienced a serious incident upon landing that shocked passengers and aviation authorities alike. The aircraft, arriving from Tokyo to New Delhi, suffered an Auxiliary Power Unit (APU) fire shortly after touching down. This unexpected mechanical failure caused panic on board and led to injuries among the passengers, including one particularly high-profile individual: Mohamed Salah, the internationally renowned footballer currently playing for Liverpool and the Egypt national team.
The flight, which had been operating without any major issues during its journey, encountered trouble shortly after reaching the gate. Passengers had just begun to unbuckle and prepare for disembarkation when smoke was noticed near the rear section of the plane. Shortly afterward, the APU – responsible for providing energy to the aircraft while it is on the ground – caught fire. Although the cabin crew acted swiftly to manage the situation and evacuate passengers safely, the incident caused a chaotic scene, especially near the back of the aircraft.
Three passengers sustained physical injuries during the rushed evacuation. Among them were an elderly woman, a young child, and a middle-aged man who reportedly fell while exiting the aircraft using emergency procedures. Medical personnel stationed at Indira Gandhi International Airport responded promptly, providing immediate care and later transporting the injured individuals to a nearby hospital for further treatment. Fortunately, none of the physical injuries are reported to be life-threatening.
However, what has drawn significant attention is the psychological impact the event had on Mohamed Salah. The Egyptian forward, who was traveling privately following a charity event in Japan, was seated in the business class section of the aircraft. Though he was physically unharmed, eyewitnesses and sources close to the footballer reported that he was visibly shaken, suffering from a panic attack during the evacuation process. According to those present, Salah initially froze in his seat, overcome by fear, before being guided out by crew members.
Following the incident, Salah was taken to a secure area within the airport where he was given immediate medical and psychological attention. Representatives from both Air India and the Egyptian Embassy in New Delhi have confirmed that Salah is safe and recovering in a private hotel. His management team issued a brief statement urging the public to respect his privacy while he takes time to mentally recover from the incident. They have also confirmed that Salah will undergo further mental health evaluations before making any decisions about returning to professional training or travel.
Air India has launched a full investigation into the incident, working alongside the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA). Preliminary findings suggest that a mechanical fault in the APU system may have caused the fire, though detailed forensic inspections are still underway. In a public statement, the airline expressed deep regret over the event and praised the quick action of the flight crew in preventing a potentially much worse outcome.
Aviation safety experts have noted that while APU fires are rare, they are not entirely unprecedented. What stands out in this case is the presence of a global sports figure, which has brought international media attention and renewed scrutiny over the airline’s maintenance procedures. Several analysts have pointed out that this incident, especially involving Mohamed Salah, could have wider implications for Air India’s brand reputation, particularly as the airline seeks to expand its international routes under new ownership.
As investigations continue and Salah recovers, the focus remains on ensuring such an incident does not occur again. The emotional scars of an event like this can be lasting, especially for someone constantly in the public eye. Fans around the world have expressed support for Salah on social media, flooding his accounts with well wishes and urging him to take the time he needs to heal. For now, safety and recovery remain the top priority.
