A major scare was averted on Wednesday night when an IndiGo flight from Delhi to Goa had to make an emergency landing at Mumbai’s Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport (CSMIA) because of a mid-air technical problem.
The flight, 6E 6271, operated on an Airbus A320neo and carried 191 passengers and crew. It landed safely at 9:53 pm after the pilots reported a malfunction in engine number 1, officials said.
What Happened?
The aircraft departed from Delhi’s Indira Gandhi International Airport and was heading towards Goa when the crew noticed the issue at 9:27 pm, approximately 100 nautical miles north of Bhubaneswar.
Immediately, the pilots declared a “PAN PAN PAN” call. This is an international radio signal used to report serious but non-life-threatening situations. Unlike a “Mayday” call, it does not indicate a critical emergency.
At 9:32 pm, the pilots requested a diversion to Mumbai.
What is “PAN PAN PAN”?
“PAN PAN” is a standard aviation radio phrase used to notify air traffic controllers about an urgent situation that does not pose an immediate threat to life. Pilots say it three times in a row to ensure clarity and avoid confusion on busy radio channels.
It ranks one level below a “Mayday” call, which signals a life-threatening emergency.
Difference Between “PAN PAN PAN” and “Mayday”?
| PAN PAN | Mayday |
|---|---|
| Urgent but not life-threatening | Critical, life-threatening situation |
| ATC provides help | ATC gives immediate top priority |
| Examples: minor engine snag | Examples: total engine failure, fire |
| “Caution level” | “Emergency level” |
Emergency Protocols in Action
At 9:35 pm, Mumbai airport officials declared a full emergency as a precaution. Fire trucks, ambulances, and rescue teams moved into position and followed the plane until it safely reached the parking bay.
By 9:57 pm, the airport lifted the emergency after the aircraft had fully taxied, and all passengers were safely assisted by terminal staff.
A spokesperson for CSMIA confirmed, “All 191 passengers and crew members disembarked safely. Airport operations were not disrupted during this incident.”
IndiGo’s Statement
In a statement on Thursday, IndiGo said:
“A technical snag was detected on flight 6E 6271 during its journey from Delhi to Goa on July 16. Following standard procedures, the aircraft was diverted to Mumbai and landed safely.”
The airline confirmed all passengers were safe and alternative arrangements were being made to continue their journey to Goa. The aircraft will undergo a detailed technical inspection before it returns to service.
Passengers Praise Calm Crew
Several passengers shared their experiences on social media, thanking the pilots and cabin crew for their professionalism and calm updates during the scare.
This incident highlights the importance of pilot training, quick decision-making, and strict aviation safety standards.