Engine fails mid-air: IndiGo Delhi-Goa flight lands in Mumbai after pilot declares 'PAN-PAN-PAN' emergency

An IndiGo flight from Delhi to Goa made an emergency landing in Mumbai on Wednesday evening due to a mid-air engine failure, reported PTI, citing a person familiar with the matter.

The Airbus A320neo aircraft, operating as flight 6E 6271, was carrying 191 people when it was diverted to Mumbai’s Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport due to what IndiGo described as a “technical snag.”

"Full emergency was declared for IndiGo flight 6E-6271, operating on Delhi-Goa route after it was diverted to Mumbai due to one engine failure," PTI quoted the person as saying.

An IndiGo spokesperson said a technical snag was detected on flight 6E 6271 while flying from Delhi to Manohar International Airport, Goa on July 16.

"Following procedures, the aircraft was diverted and landed at Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport, Mumbai," the spokesperson added.

The pilot declared “PAN PAN PAN” – an international radio distress signal indicating an urgent situation that is not immediately life-threatening – after detecting a malfunction in engine number one, HT reported, citing an airport official.

A full emergency was declared at Mumbai airport at 9:35 pm ahead of the flight’s arrival, according to a Mumbai airport spokesperson quoted by PTI.

The emergency status was withdrawn at 9:57 pm after the aircraft landed safely. There was no impact on overall airport operations.

The flight crew requested diversion at around 9:32 pm when the aircraft was about 100 nautical miles north of Bhubaneswar, HT reported. Ambulances and fire tenders were kept on standby as per standard procedure.

IndiGo did not share details on the exact nature of the engine issue but said the aircraft will undergo necessary checks and maintenance before resuming operations.

An alternative aircraft was arranged to fly passengers to Goa, the airline spokesperson said.

All passengers and crew members were reported to be safe.