Air India Express Flight Makes Safe Landing After Mid-Air ‘Oil Filter’ Issue

A mid-air scare was averted on Thursday as an Air India Express flight, bound for Indore, was forced to return to Delhi after experiencing a technical snag. The plane, carrying 176 passengers and crew, made a safe emergency landing at Indira Gandhi International Airport (IGIA), with all on board reported to be safe.

The incident unfolded shortly after Air India Express flight IX-1646, an Airbus A320, departed from Delhi’s IGIA. The crew, observing an oil filter issue, promptly declared a “PAN-PAN” signal, a distress call indicating a serious but not immediate threat to the aircraft’s safety. This action triggered a swift and coordinated response from air traffic control (ATC) and airport emergency services.

According to a spokesperson for Air India Express, the crew followed standard operating procedures and decided to return to the origin airport as a precautionary measure. “The pilots identified a technical issue related to the aircraft’s oil filter and, prioritizing the safety of our passengers, made the decision to return to Delhi,” the spokesperson stated. “The landing was normal, and all passengers and crew disembarked safely.”

Sources at the airport confirmed that a full emergency was declared at IGIA to ensure a smooth and safe landing. Fire tenders and ambulances were deployed on the runway as the aircraft approached, a routine precaution for such situations. The plane touched down without incident, much to the relief of the passengers and their families awaiting their arrival.

Passengers on board reported a period of apprehension but praised the crew’s calm and professional demeanor. “We were informed by the captain that there was a minor technical issue and that we were returning to Delhi,” one passenger, who wished to remain anonymous, told reporters. “The crew handled the situation very well, keeping us informed and calm throughout the process. We are all just relieved to be on the ground.”

Following the safe landing, a relief flight was arranged for the stranded passengers, who were provided with refreshments and other necessary assistance. The airline has confirmed that the affected aircraft will undergo a thorough inspection and maintenance check by its engineering team to determine the exact cause of the issue and ensure it is rectified before the aircraft is cleared for service again.

This incident highlights the rigorous safety protocols followed by airlines and airport authorities to manage potential emergencies effectively. The swift action of the pilots and the coordinated response on the ground ensured that a potentially serious situation was resolved with a positive outcome, reaffirming the commitment to passenger safety in the aviation industry.