IndiGo Flight Declares ‘Mayday’ Over Low Fuel, Lands Safely in Bengaluru!

An IndiGo flight en route from Guwahati to Chennai was forced to declare a Mayday emergency due to low fuel and make an unscheduled landing in Bengaluru on Thursday. The flight, identified as 6E-6764, was carrying 168 passengers when the situation unfolded.

According to aviation sources quoted by NDTV, the pilots were unable to land in Chennai due to airport congestion, prompting them to attempt a go-around before initiating a Mayday call.

What Happened: A Timeline of Events

• Takeoff: The A321 aircraft departed Guwahati at 4:40 PM.
• Scheduled Arrival: The flight was expected to land in Chennai by 7:45 PM.
• Diversion Decision: Due to traffic congestion at Chennai airport, the pilots were instructed to go around and await clearance.
• Mayday Call: With fuel levels running critically low, the crew issued a Mayday emergency.
• Safe Landing: The flight was diverted to Bengaluru, where it landed safely at 8:20 PM.

Emergency response teams, including fire and medical units, were deployed at Kempegowda International Airport ahead of the landing. Fortunately, no injuries were reported, and passengers disembarked safely.

Pilots Derostered, Investigation Underway

Following standard safety protocols, both pilots have been derostered pending an internal inquiry. Such actions are common when serious in-flight events are reported, especially those involving fuel emergencies or Mayday declarations.

Second IndiGo Incident in 24 Hours

Adding to concerns, another IndiGo flight faced a technical issue on Friday. The Madurai-bound flight, also departing from Chennai, experienced a mid-air snag and requested an emergency return.

This aircraft, carrying about 68 passengers, landed without incident in Chennai, and all passengers were safely deplaned. Investigations into both incidents are currently ongoing.

Aviation Safety in the Spotlight

This comes just one week after a fatal Air India crash involving a Boeing 787 8 Dreamliner. The aircraft, headed for London, caught fire after crashing into residential buildings shortly after take-off from Ahmedabad on June 12.

While the IndiGo incident ended without tragedy, it raises questions about fuel management, air traffic coordination, and the need for robust emergency response systems at major Indian airports.

What is a ‘Mayday’ Call?

A ‘mayday’ is an internationally recognised distress signal used by pilots to indicate a life-threatening emergency. Derived from the French phrase “m’aidez” (help me), it prompts immediate action from air traffic control and emergency services

What Passengers Should Know

• Stay Calm: Trust the crew’s training and follow instructions in emergencies.
• Be Informed: Understand basic safety protocols and listen to pre-flight briefings.
• Monitor Updates: For real-time flight information, use airline apps or official airport websites.

Final Thoughts

The safe landing of IndiGo flight 6E-6764 is a testament to the professionalism of India’s aviation sector and the effectiveness of emergency protocols. While such incidents are rare, they serve as a reminder of the complexities and challenges of modern air travel.

(With Inputs from NDTV)