Bengaluru: An IndiGo flight from Guwahati to Chennai, carrying 168 passengers, was forced to make an emergency landing in Bengaluru on Thursday after the pilots declared a ‘mayday’ due to low fuel. The situation was brought under control safely, but it raised serious concerns about flight operations, especially as it happened just days after a tragic Air India crash in Ahmedabad.
According to sources, the IndiGo aircraft, flight number 6E-6764 (an Airbus A321), took off from Guwahati at 4:40 pm and was scheduled to land in Chennai around 7:45 pm. However, due to heavy congestion at Chennai airport, the aircraft could not land immediately and had to remain in the air for a longer time. After failing to get landing clearance, the pilots decided to divert the flight to Bengaluru.
As the plane ran critically low on fuel, the pilots declared a ‘mayday’ — an emergency distress call that signals an immediate threat to the safety of the aircraft and passengers. After the call, Bengaluru’s Kempegowda International Airport air traffic control quickly made arrangements for an emergency landing. Fire and medical teams were placed on standby. Fortunately, the plane landed safely at 8:20 pm without any injuries to passengers or crew.
Following the incident, IndiGo confirmed that both pilots involved in the flight have been derostered, which means they will not be assigned to flying duties until an investigation is complete.
Meanwhile, another safety scare occurred on Friday, when a Madurai-bound IndiGo flight experienced a technical issue mid-air. The pilots requested to return to Chennai, and the plane landed safely with all 68 passengers onboard.
These back-to-back flight issues have triggered questions about aircraft safety and preparedness, especially in light of the recent Air India crash involving a Dreamliner jet in Ahmedabad, which had also issued a mayday before crashing.
Authorities are now investigating both the IndiGo incidents to understand the reasons behind the emergencies and to ensure strict safety measures are in place.
