On the evening of June 19, 2025, an IndiGo flight from Guwahati to Chennai, carrying 168 passengers, faced a tense situation when it ran critically low on fuel, prompting the pilot to issue a ‘Mayday’ distress call. The flight, identified as 6E-6764 and operating an Airbus A321, was safely diverted to Bengaluru’s Kempegowda International Airport, where it landed without incident. This event, coming shortly after a tragic Air India crash in Ahmedabad, has raised concerns about aviation safety and operational planning in India.
What Happened?
The IndiGo flight took off from Guwahati at 4:40 PM, aiming to land in Chennai by 7:45 PM. However, congestion at Chennai airport, combined with an unstabilized approach during landing, forced the pilot to abort the landing attempt. With fuel levels dangerously low, the pilot opted to divert the aircraft to Bengaluru, issuing a ‘fuel Mayday’ alert to Air Traffic Control (ATC) around 8:11 PM, approximately 35 miles from Bengaluru. The ATC promptly cleared the flight for a priority landing, and the plane touched down safely at 8:15 PM. After refueling, the flight resumed its journey to Chennai at 10:24 PM, where it landed without further issues.
Why Was a Mayday Call Necessary?
A ‘Mayday’ call is a universal distress signal used in aviation to indicate a life-threatening emergency. In this case, the critically low fuel level posed a serious risk, as the aircraft could not safely remain airborne for long. The pilot’s decision to issue the Mayday call ensured that Bengaluru’s ATC prioritized the landing, with fire and medical teams on standby to handle any potential complications. Thankfully, the swift response and the pilot’s composure ensured the safety of all passengers and crew.
What Caused the Fuel Shortage?
Preliminary reports suggest that the fuel shortage was triggered by a combination of factors. The inability to land in Chennai due to air traffic congestion forced the plane to burn more fuel while circling or holding in the air. Additionally, an unstabilized approach during the landing attempt in Chennai led to a ‘go-around’ maneuver, further depleting the fuel reserves. While IndiGo has not released an official statement on the exact cause, sources indicate that the pilots followed protocol by diverting to Bengaluru when fuel levels became critical.
Aftermath and Investigation
Following the incident, IndiGo derostered the two pilots involved, meaning they have been temporarily removed from flying duties pending an internal investigation. The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has also been informed and is likely to probe the incident to determine whether there were lapses in flight planning or fuel management. This event follows another IndiGo flight incident the next day, where a Madurai-bound flight returned to Chennai due to a technical snag, highlighting ongoing concerns about operational reliability.
What Does This Mean for Passengers?
For the 168 passengers on board, the incident was undoubtedly alarming, but the safe landing in Bengaluru underscores the effectiveness of aviation safety protocols. The swift response from the pilots and ATC prevented a potential disaster. However, the incident raises questions about how airlines manage fuel reserves, especially during peak travel times or in adverse conditions like congestion or bad weather. Passengers can take comfort in knowing that such emergencies, while rare, are handled with rigorous safety measures.
Broader Context
This incident comes at a time when India’s aviation sector is under scrutiny, particularly after the tragic Air India crash in Ahmedabad on June 12, 2025, which claimed over 240 lives. The back-to-back incidents involving IndiGo have sparked discussions about the need for stricter safety audits and better operational planning. The DGCA has already introduced a new Comprehensive Safety Audit framework in response to recent events, signaling a push for enhanced oversight.
Looking Ahead
The safe landing of IndiGo flight 6E-6764 is a testament to the skill of the pilots and the robustness of emergency protocols. However, it also serves as a reminder of the complexities of air travel, where unforeseen challenges like congestion or technical issues can escalate quickly. As investigations continue, IndiGo and other airlines may face increased pressure to review their fuel management and contingency planning to prevent similar incidents in the future.
For now, passengers and crew can breathe a sigh of relief, grateful for a safe outcome in what could have been a perilous situation. The aviation industry, meanwhile, must use this as an opportunity to strengthen safety measures and ensure that India’s skies remain among the safest in the world.