Bengaluru, June 22, 2025 – An IndiGo flight from Guwahati to Chennai, carrying 168 passengers, was forced to make an emergency landing at Bengaluru’s Kempe Gowda International Airport (KIA) on June 19, 2025, after the pilot issued a ‘Mayday’ distress call due to critically low fuel levels. The incident, which occurred amid heightened public concern following a recent Air India crash in Ahmedabad, has raised questions about aviation safety and fuel management protocols. Here’s a clear and concise account of the event for Indian readers.
What Happened?
IndiGo flight 6E-6764, an Airbus A321, took off from Guwahati’s Lokpriya Gopinath Bordoloi International Airport at 4:40 PM on June 19, bound for Chennai International Airport, with an expected landing time of 7:45 PM. However, the aircraft encountered difficulties landing in Chennai due to reported air traffic congestion. The pilot attempted to land but executed a ‘go-around’ maneuver—known as a balked landing—after the landing gear briefly touched the runway. This decision was likely due to an unstable approach, possibly caused by congestion or adverse weather conditions, as stated by an IndiGo spokesperson.
After the aborted landing, the aircraft entered a holding pattern near Chennai, which consumed more fuel than anticipated. Approximately 35 nautical miles from Bengaluru, the pilot issued a ‘Mayday’ call, signaling a life-threatening emergency due to insufficient fuel. The distress call prompted swift action from Bengaluru’s Air Traffic Control (ATC), which prioritized the flight for landing. Emergency medical and fire services were mobilized at KIA, and the plane landed safely at 8:20 PM. No injuries were reported, but passengers described the experience as unnerving, with one anonymous traveler noting that the sudden climb after the aborted landing left many “visibly frightened.”
Aftermath and Response
Following the safe landing, the aircraft was refueled, and a new crew took over. The flight resumed its journey and landed in Chennai at 11:25 PM. Both pilots of the original crew were de-rostered pending an investigation, a standard procedure in such incidents. IndiGo has not officially confirmed the ‘Mayday’ call but stated that the diversion was due to “air traffic congestion” at Chennai, a claim disputed by Chennai ATC sources who suggested the plane may not have carried the mandatory minimum diversion fuel.
An IndiGo spokesperson, Rashmi, told media outlets, “The pilot issued a ‘Fuel Mayday’ as the flight was rerouted to Bengaluru due to air traffic congestion. It is standard procedure to declare a ‘Mayday’ when requesting an emergency landing due to low fuel levels.” The airline emphasized that all safety protocols were followed, and the aircraft landed without incident.
Context and Public Concern
The incident comes on the heels of a tragic Air India crash in Ahmedabad on June 12, 2025, where a London-bound Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner crashed shortly after takeoff, killing 241 passengers and crew. That flight had also issued a ‘Mayday’ call, citing “thrust not achieved,” before crashing into a residential building. The proximity of these events has amplified public anxiety about air travel safety in India, with social media posts on X expressing both relief at the safe landing and concern over recurring aviation incidents. One user, @LogicalIndians, praised the pilot’s quick thinking, while another, @avarakai, questioned IndiGo’s flight planning and adherence to standard operating procedures (SOPs).
What Is a ‘Mayday’ Call?
A ‘Mayday’ call, derived from the French phrase m’aidez (“help me”), is an internationally recognized distress signal used in aviation and maritime emergencies. Repeated three times—“Mayday, Mayday, Mayday”—it indicates a life-threatening situation, such as engine failure, fire, or, in this case, critically low fuel. The call ensures priority handling by ATC and mobilizes emergency services. Misuse of a ‘Mayday’ call is a serious offense, as it can divert critical resources.
Why Did This Happen?
Several factors contributed to the incident. Congestion at Chennai airport, possibly exacerbated by bad weather, delayed the landing, forcing the plane into a fuel-consuming holding pattern. Some reports suggest the aircraft may not have had sufficient diversion fuel, raising questions about flight planning. An aviation expert cited by The Times of India noted that the initial approach to Chennai appeared “unstabilized,” which may have necessitated the go-around. The decision to divert to Bengaluru, 280 km away, rather than attempt another landing in Chennai, likely stemmed from safety concerns and fuel constraints.
What’s Next?
The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) is likely to investigate the incident, focusing on fuel management, pilot decision-making, and compliance with SOPs. The de-rostering of the pilots suggests a thorough review of their actions, though no official fault has been assigned. IndiGo’s safety record, while generally strong, has come under scrutiny, especially after another incident on June 20, when a Madurai-bound IndiGo flight returned to Chennai due to a technical snag.
For passengers, the incident underscores the importance of robust safety protocols. As one X user, @pretty_yourss, posted, “Thankfully, everyone is safe. But seriously… what’s happening with airline safety?” The public’s call for transparency and stricter oversight is growing louder in the wake of recent aviation incidents.
Key Takeaways
- Flight Details: IndiGo 6E-6764, Guwahati to Chennai, diverted to Bengaluru on June 19, 2025.
- Reason: Low fuel after a failed landing attempt in Chennai, leading to a ‘Mayday’ call.
- Outcome: Safe landing at Bengaluru’s KIA at 8:20 PM; flight resumed to Chennai with a new crew.
- Passengers: 168, all safe but shaken.
- Investigation: Pilots de-rostered; DGCA likely to probe fuel planning and ATC coordination.
As India’s aviation sector faces increased scrutiny, this incident highlights the critical role of pilot training, precise flight planning, and effective communication with ATC in ensuring passenger safety. While the safe landing is a testament to the crew’s quick response, it also serves as a reminder of the need for constant vigilance in air travel.
Note: This article is based on reports from credible sources and social media posts on X. The investigation is ongoing, and official findings are pending.
Last Updated on: Sunday, June 22, 2025 11:33 pm by Sri Hari Priya Rayaprolu | Published by: Sri Hari Priya Rayaprolu on Sunday, June 22, 2025 11:33 pm | News Categories: News, India, Latest
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