IndiGo Pilot Declares 'Mayday' on Guwahati-Chennai Flight, Lands Safely in Bengaluru After Scare: Report

An IndiGo flight with 168 passengers on board, traveling from Guwahati to Chennai, had to be diverted to Bengaluru on Thursday evening after a serious mid-air scare. The pilot declared a mayday — the most urgent distress call in aviation — before safely landing the aircraft at Kempegowda International Airport.

According to reports, the IndiGo flight was originally scheduled to land in Chennai around 7:45 pm, but was unable to do so due to heavy air traffic congestion. After an aborted landing attempt, the pilot decided to divert to Bengaluru.

Roughly 35 minutes before landing in Bengaluru, the pilot issued a mayday call due to low fuel levels, according to The Times of India. Air traffic control immediately activated emergency protocols, and fire and medical teams were put on standby. The flight landed safely at around 8:15 pm.

Passengers described the experience as unnerving. One passenger said the plane took a sharp, sudden approach during its failed landing attempt in Chennai, which left many people visibly anxious.

IndiGo has yet to issue an official statement on the incident, but both pilots involved in the flight have been de-rostered pending an internal investigation, according to NDTV.

Adding to the airline’s troubles, a separate IndiGo flight from Chennai to Madurai also faced issues on Friday. After about 30 minutes in the air, the pilot detected a technical snag and requested to return to Chennai. That flight, carrying around 68 passengers, landed safely as well.

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