IndiGo Flight Makes Emergency Landing in Bengaluru After ‘Mayday’ Alert

Bengaluru | June 22, 2025
In a serious mid-air incident, an IndiGo flight from Guwahati to Chennai carrying 168 passengers issued a ‘Mayday’ distress alert and was diverted to Bengaluru on Thursday evening. The flight, 6E-6764, operated by an Airbus A321, landed safely at Kempegowda International Airport (KIA) after reporting a low fuel emergency.

What Happened in the Air

The aircraft took off from Guwahati at 4:40 pm, scheduled to land in Chennai around 7:45 pm. However, during its approach at Chennai Airport, the pilot attempted a landing that was aborted — a maneuver technically known as a ‘go-around’ or balked landing.

According to sources, the aircraft’s landing gear briefly touched the runway, but the pilot decided to take off again. It was after this go-around that the fuel levels became critically low, prompting the pilot to declare a Mayday, a global aviation distress signal.

Emergency Landing Executed Swiftly

After issuing the alert, Air Traffic Control (ATC) at Bengaluru coordinated an emergency landing. Fire, medical, and ground support teams were placed on standby.

“The aircraft landed safely at 8:20 pm. The response by airport personnel was swift and effective,” a KIA official told The Times of India.

Passengers on board described the moment as tense. Some reported panic and visible fear, especially after learning that fuel was running low.

No Injuries Reported

Thankfully, there were no injuries. IndiGo has confirmed that all 168 passengers and crew members were safe. The airline stated that passenger safety was their top priority and that an internal investigation is underway.

Recent Pattern of Mid-Air Incidents

This emergency is the third aviation scare involving Indian airlines in less than two weeks.

• June 14: An Air India Dreamliner on its way to London made an emergency landing in Ahmedabad shortly after take-off due to technical failure.

• June 21: Another IndiGo flight to Madurai returned to Chennai after reporting a technical glitch mid-air. That aircraft was carrying 68 passengers, and all were safely deboarded after landing.

These incidents are now raising questions about aircraft maintenance, especially since a recent flyer survey showed 79% of Air India passengers expressed concerns over safety and upkeep. Source: Business Standard

Aviation Experts Weigh In

Aviation safety analyst Capt. G. Krishnaswamy notes,

“Go-arounds are routine in aviation, but declaring a Mayday due to low fuel is serious. This calls for a review of flight planning and alternate landing strategies.”

What is a ‘Mayday’ Call?

A ‘Mayday’ call is an international distress signal used in life-threatening emergencies. In aviation, it’s used when an aircraft is unable to continue its flight safely, whether due to mechanical failure, low fuel, or medical emergencies.

DGCA Likely to Investigate

The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) is expected to launch a probe into the incident. A detailed report on why Chennai’s landing failed and why fuel reserves were insufficient will be crucial to determine any procedural lapses.

IndiGo’s Response

IndiGo has issued a statement:

“Flight 6E-6764 made a precautionary diversion to Bengaluru. All passengers are safe. We regret the inconvenience caused and are cooperating with regulatory authorities.”

The airline has offered compensation and alternate flights to passengers affected by the delay.

What’s Next for Indian Aviation?

With increasing air traffic and monsoon conditions affecting visibility and runway performance, airlines need to ensure high safety standards, better contingency planning, and frequent maintenance checks.

Incidents like these underline the need for transparent safety audits, not just to ensure technical reliability, but to rebuild passenger trust.