MUMBAI- More than 150 passengers aboard Air India (AI) flight AI814 from Delhi (DEL) to Mumbai (BOM) encountered a tense situation in the early morning of Wednesday, December 20, 2023, as the crew declared an emergency and issued a “Mayday” call during the approach to Mumbai.
The emergency was prompted by an engine fire warning triggered by the systems on board the Airbus A320 aircraft.
Air India Flight Emergency
Affirming the declaration of an “emergency,” Air India stated that the flight landed without incident. The airline clarified that during the inspection, no signs of fire or smoke were detected.
“At the time of landing, a fire warning was triggered, prompting the crew to declare ‘Mayday.’ Adhering to protocol, the pilot deployed the two fire extinguishers as a precautionary measure. The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) is currently investigating the incident,” as informed by a source to CNBC-TV18.
The source further mentioned that the aircraft involved in the incident was stranded on the Mumbai airport runway until checks were completed, so the runway was inaccessible for operations for approximately 20 minutes.
Consequently, according to the source, an incoming Air India flight AI605 was rerouted to Ahmedabad (AMD).
“AI 814, operating from Delhi to Mumbai on December 19, 2023, experienced a fire warning indication on one of its engines. As a precautionary measure, an emergency was declared, and air traffic control was notified. The flight landed without any issues, and upon inspection, no signs of fire or smoke were found,” stated an Air India spokesperson in the official statement.
A senior official from the DGCA informed CNBC-TV18 that an investigation is underway to determine the cause of the fire warning.
Similar Incident
In June 2023, the Airbus A320neo of Air India operating flight from Delhi (DEL) to Jammu (IXJ) experienced an engine stall and high vibrations, forcing it to return to the capital.
The pilot promptly shuts the affected engine, ensuring the passengers’ safety onboard. The Air India Flight AI821 successfully landed back at Delhi IGI Airport.
According to Flight Radar 24, the Air India flight AI821 took off from DEL at 7:06 AM UTC. After being airborne for a few minutes and en route to Jammu Airport (IXJ), the aircraft experienced some trouble with the Engine.
Following this, at around 7:21 AM UTC, the flight crew asked the Air Traffic Controller (ATC) to return back to DEL. After getting clearance, the plane made an emergency landing at DEL.
The aircraft involved in the incident was an Airbus A320neo, registered VT-EXQ. The aircraft is four years and four months old. Further, AI took it back in 2019 on lease.
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