Mayday Over Delhi: Air India Flight Averts Disaster After Engine Fire

In a heart-stopping incident that unfolded in the skies above Delhi, an Air India flight bound for Indore was forced to make an emergency landing just minutes after takeoff, following a critical engine fire. The dramatic events on Tuesday saw a "Mayday" call echo through air traffic control, culminating in the safe return of all 184 passengers and crew, thanks to the swift and expert actions of the flight deck.

Flight AI-634, an Airbus A320neo, had departed Delhi's Indira Gandhi International Airport (IGI) for its scheduled journey to Indore.

However, the routine ascent was abruptly interrupted when a pilot observed what appeared to be sparks and flames emanating from one of the aircraft's engines. Without hesitation, the crew initiated emergency protocols, confirming an engine fire.

The situation rapidly escalated as the pilots, maintaining remarkable composure under immense pressure, declared a "full emergency" to air traffic controllers.

The urgent "Mayday" call signaled the gravity of the situation, immediately clearing the way for the stricken aircraft's priority return. Ground services at IGI Airport sprang into action, deploying emergency response teams, including fire tenders and medical units, to prepare for a potential worst-case scenario.

Eyewitnesses on the ground reported seeing sparks from the aircraft as it circled back towards the airport.

Inside the cabin, passengers were reportedly informed of the emergency and prepared for an urgent landing, though details regarding their specific experience remain limited. The professionalism of the cabin crew in managing passenger anxiety during such a tense period played a crucial role.

Against a backdrop of heightened tension, the Air India A320neo executed a flawless emergency landing back on the runway it had departed from just minutes prior.

As the aircraft touched down and safely taxied to a halt, a collective sigh of relief undoubtedly swept through the cabin and the control tower alike. All 177 passengers and 7 crew members disembarked safely, with no injuries reported, a testament to the crew's skill and the effective ground response.

Air India promptly issued a statement confirming the incident, commending the professionalism of its pilots and crew for safely handling the situation.

"Our crew handled the situation with utmost professionalism, and all passengers and crew are safe," the airline stated, while arrangements were made to accommodate the stranded passengers and provide alternative flights to Indore.

The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has launched a thorough investigation into the incident to ascertain the precise cause of the engine fire.

This event, while safely resolved, once again brings into focus concerns surrounding engine reliability, particularly with A320neo aircraft equipped with Pratt & Whitney engines, which have faced scrutiny for similar issues in the past. Aviation safety remains paramount, and such incidents underscore the critical importance of rigorous maintenance and vigilant operational procedures in the aviation industry.