IndiGo Delhi-Goa Flight Suffers Engine Failure Mid-Air, Makes Emergency Landing in Mumbai
In a dramatic yet safely resolved aviation incident, an IndiGo Airlines Airbus A320neo, operating as Flight 6E 6271 from Delhi to Goa, was forced to make an emergency landing at Mumbai’s Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport (CSMIA) on Wednesday night following a mid-air engine failure.
The aircraft, registered as VT-IZB, was carrying 191 passengers and crew when a technical malfunction occurred in engine number 1, prompting the flight crew to initiate emergency procedures.
PAN-PAN Alert Issued Mid-Flight
At approximately 9:27 PM IST, while cruising over eastern India—about 100 nautical miles north of Bhubaneswar—the flight crew issued a "PAN PAN PAN" emergency radio call. This alert, recognized internationally, indicates a situation requiring immediate attention but not yet critical enough to issue a full distress signal (i.e., “Mayday”).
According to reports, the pilot communicated the issue to Air Traffic Control (ATC) and declared a full emergency, requesting immediate clearance to divert and land.
Safe Landing in Mumbai
ATC promptly directed the aircraft to divert to Mumbai, where emergency protocols were activated at the airport. Firefighting and rescue services were deployed on standby as the aircraft approached the runway.
The aircraft landed safely at approximately 9:53 PM IST, and all passengers were safely evacuated without injury. IndiGo ground staff in Mumbai assisted passengers and began arranging alternate transport to Goa.
Airline Statement & Passenger Safety
In an official statement, IndiGo Airlines confirmed the incident:
“Flight 6E 6271 operating from Delhi to Goa was diverted to Mumbai due to a technical snag in engine one. The aircraft landed safely, and all passengers were accommodated on a replacement aircraft. Safety is our top priority, and all protocols were followed.”
Passengers onboard were calm and cooperative during the diversion. Several praised the crew's professionalism and communication during the unexpected change in plans.
Understanding the "PAN PAN" Alert
The use of “PAN PAN” instead of “Mayday” indicates the crew was managing a serious but non-life-threatening situation. Aviation experts note that:
Modern twin-engine aircraft, like the A320neo, are certified to fly safely on one engine in the event of failure.
A “PAN PAN” call signals urgency, not immediate danger, and ensures priority landing clearance.
Issuing such a call is a standard precautionary measure when dealing with engine anomalies.
Technical Investigation Underway
The affected aircraft is currently undergoing a thorough inspection by IndiGo’s engineering team in coordination with the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA). Preliminary reports suggest a possible engine performance degradation or component fault, but the exact cause remains under review.
Notably, the aircraft is powered by Pratt & Whitney PW1100G engines, which have previously faced scrutiny over reliability concerns, though there is no confirmed link in this case.
Aviation Safety Perspective
This incident underscores the importance of rigorous safety protocols, crew training, and aircraft system redundancies. IndiGo, India’s largest airline by market share, has a strong safety record and operates one of the youngest fleets in the country.
Passengers resumed their journey to Goa later in the night via a replacement aircraft provided by the airline.
