Chennai: An IndiGo flight from Guwahati to Chennai made an emergency landing at Kempegowda International Airport in Bengaluru on June 19 after the aircraft ran critically low on fuel, prompting the pilot to issue a “mayday” call, airline officials confirmed. The incident highlights the delicate balance airlines must maintain between weather-related diversions and fuel planning, especially during the monsoon season in India.
✈️ Flight Details and Diversion Decision
The IndiGo flight, which was scheduled to arrive in Chennai around 7:45 pm, faced adverse weather conditions over the city. With visibility deteriorating rapidly, the pilot made the call to divert to the nearest available major airport — Kempegowda International Airport (BLR) in Bengaluru.
While diversions are not uncommon in such weather scenarios, complications arose during the alternate route. According to sources, the aircraft exhausted its minimum fuel reserves while attempting to reach Bengaluru.
🚨 Mayday Call and Emergency Landing
Recognising the gravity of the situation, the pilot declared a “mayday” — an international distress signal used only in life-threatening situations. Airport authorities in Bengaluru were immediately alerted, and emergency protocols were activated on the ground to facilitate a swift and safe landing.
“Due to inclement weather in Chennai, the flight could not land as scheduled. While diverting to Bengaluru, the aircraft ran critically low on fuel. As a precaution, the pilot issued a mayday call and successfully landed in Bengaluru,” said an IndiGo spokesperson.
🛫 Passenger Safety and Airline Response
Despite the high-alert situation, all passengers and crew on board are reported to be safe, and the landing was executed smoothly by the flight crew. IndiGo said that passenger safety remains the airline’s top priority, and it is cooperating with aviation authorities for post-incident assessment.
No injuries were reported, and passengers were later accommodated as per standard protocol.
🔍 Investigation and Aviation Protocols
The incident has drawn attention from aviation regulatory bodies. While fuel planning for any commercial flight includes reserves for diversions, delays, and holding patterns, unexpected weather conditions and air traffic congestion can stretch these margins.
Authorities are likely to examine:
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The fuel load and contingency planning
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The timing of the decision to divert
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Whether standard operating procedures were followed
This case may prompt a review of fuel contingency norms during monsoon operations, especially in high-traffic urban airports prone to weather-related disruptions.
✅ Conclusion: A Wake-Up Call for Aviation Safety
The emergency landing of the IndiGo Guwahati–Chennai flight in Bengaluru serves as a serious reminder of the dynamic challenges in aviation operations, especially amid adverse weather. While the pilot’s prompt response averted a crisis, the event underscores the need for rigorous fuel planning, real-time decision-making, and robust air traffic coordination.
As investigations proceed, stakeholders in Indian civil aviation may revisit protocols to ensure even greater margins of safety during monsoon months — to protect not just aircraft, but the trust of the flying public.
For more details and official announcement check Indigo press release.
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