Mayday Panic: IndiGo Flight Forced Into Emergency Landing in Bengaluru as Fuel Runs Critically Low
Bengaluru, June 21, 2024 – An IndiGo flight (6E-264) from Guwahati to Chennai was forced to make an emergency landing at Kempegowda International Airport, Bengaluru, after the pilot issued a Mayday call due to fuel exhaustion. The incident, which occurred on June 19, has raised fresh concerns about flight safety protocols in India, coming just days after the deadly Air India crash in Ahmedabad.
Flight Diverted Due to Bad Weather, Then Ran Out of Fuel
The IndiGo Airbus A320, carrying 168 passengers, was scheduled to land in Chennai at 7:45 PM but was unable to do so due to severe weather conditions. The pilot then decided to divert to Bengaluru—a common precaution—but soon realized the aircraft did not have enough fuel to complete the diversion safely.
An IndiGo spokesperson confirmed:
“The pilot issued a Mayday call as the fuel levels became critically low. The flight landed safely in Bengaluru at 8:20 PM without any injuries. After refueling, it proceeded to Chennai.”
Pilots De-Rostered, DGCA Probe Likely
As per standard procedure, the pilots have been taken off duty pending an internal investigation. Aviation experts suggest the incident highlights potential gaps in fuel management and decision-making during diversions.
Second Mayday Incident in a Week
This emergency follows the June 12 Air India crash in Ahmedabad, where Flight AI-171 crashed shortly after takeoff, killing 241 on board. The pilot had similarly issued a Mayday call, reporting engine failure before the tragedy.
The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has since suspended three Air India officials for safety lapses and is expected to scrutinize IndiGo’s fuel policies in this case.
What Is a Mayday Call?
A Mayday (from French “m’aider”, meaning “help me”) is the highest-level distress signal in aviation, used only when an aircraft faces immediate danger. It demands priority handling from Air Traffic Control (ATC).
Growing Concerns Over Aviation Safety
With two major emergencies in a week, passengers and regulators are questioning:
✔ Are airlines underestimating fuel requirements?
✔ Are diversion protocols being followed properly?
✔ Is pilot training sufficient for emergency scenarios?
The DGCA is expected to issue stricter fuel guidelines to prevent similar incidents.
