Engine Malfunction Forces Emergency Lanng for SpiceJet Delhi-Leh Flight

New Delhi, February 24, 2026: Moments of high anxiety gripped 150 passengers aboard a SpiceJet flight on Tuesday morning after a mid-air engine failure forced the aircraft to declare a full-scale emergency and return to Delhi’s Indira Gandhi International (IGI) Airport.

The flight, SG-123, had departed from the national capital bound for Leh, Ladakh, when the technical glitch was detected shortly after takeoff.

The Incident: Mid-Air Technical Failure

According to airport officials and airline spokespersons, the Boeing 737 aircraft was climbing to its cruising altitude when the cockpit crew noticed an oil pressure warning in one of the engines. Following standard safety protocols, the pilots immediately shut down the affected engine to prevent further damage or potential fire risk.

A “Full Emergency“ was declared at IGI Airport at approximately 10:30 AM. This protocol activated:

• Pre-positioned fire tenders and ambulances along the runway.
• Priority clearance from Air Traffic Control (ATC) for an immediate landing.
• Medical teams on standby at the terminal.

Safe Landing and Passenger Safety

Despite the tension, the flight crew managed to stabilize the aircraft using its remaining engine—a maneuver pilots are rigorously trained to perform. The plane touched down safely at Delhi airport around 11:00 AM.

SpiceJet issued an official statement shortly after the landing:

“SpiceJet flight SG-123 operating from Delhi to Leh returned to Delhi after the pilots noticed a technical glitch in engine 1. The aircraft landed safely, and passengers were deboarded normally. We regret the inconvenience caused and are making alternative arrangements for the travelers.”

All 150 passengers and crew members were reported safe, with no injuries recorded during the landing or the subsequent evacuation.

Investigation and Background

The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has been notified of the incident and is expected to launch a formal inquiry. The aircraft has been grounded for a thorough technical inspection to determine the root cause of the engine malfunction.

This incident adds to a series of technical snags reported by various domestic carriers in recent months, highlighting the ongoing scrutiny regarding maintenance cycles and aging fleets in the Indian aviation sector.