An Air India Express flight heading to Kochi was forced to make an emergency landing in Bengaluru after its right engine caught fire. The flight was carrying 179 passengers and six crew members, all of whom were safely evacuated.
What Happened: As per media reports, the incident took place shortly after takeoff on May 18. The crew members informed the Air Traffic Controller about the situation, resulting in a full-scale emergency being declared at the airport. The fire was quickly extinguished by the airport’s fire engines after the emergency landing at 11:12 pm.
The Bengaluru International Airport Limited (BIAL), the operator of the Kempegowda International Airport, confirmed the incident. “On May 18, 2024, IX 1132 from Bengaluru to Kochi made an emergency landing at Bengaluru airport at 11:12 pm, due to a reported fire in one of the engines,” the statement read.
See Also: Technical Glitch Forces Air India Express Flight To Make Emergency Landing In Tiruchirappalli
An Air India Express spokesperson stated that the flight decided to return due to suspected flames from the right engine after takeoff. The ground services also reported flames, leading to an evacuation. The spokesperson assured that a thorough investigation with the regulator will be carried out to establish the cause.
According to a passenger’s account, some passengers saw a fire, causing panic and screaming. The airline is working on alternative arrangements for the passengers to reach their destination.
Why It Matters: This incident adds to a series of unfortunate events that have plagued Air India in recent days. On May 17, a Delhi-bound Air India flight collided with a luggage tractor at Pune Airport, causing significant damage to the aircraft and delaying the flight. On the same day, an Air India flight at Delhi's Indira Gandhi International (IGI) Airport had to make an emergency landing due to a suspected AC fire. Another Air India Express flight was forced to make an emergency landing in Tiruchirappalli, Tamil Nadu, due to a technical malfunction mid-air on May 18. These incidents raise serious concerns about the safety standards of the airline.
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