Full Emergency At Delhi Airport: Leh-Bound SpiceJet Flight Returns Mid-Air After Engine Failure
Full Emergency At Delhi Airport: Leh-Bound SpiceJet Flight Returns Mid-Air After Engine Failure
Around 150 passengers onboard SG-121; aircraft lands safely in Delhi, no injuries reported
A full emergency was declared at Delhi’s Indira Gandhi International Airport on Tuesday morning after a SpiceJet flight bound for Leh returned to the capital shortly after takeoff due to an engine failure.
The flight, SG-121, operating on the Delhi–Leh route, had approximately 150 passengers onboard when the crew detected a technical fault in one of the aircraft’s engines minutes after departure. The aircraft, a Boeing 737, was forced to abort its onward journey and return to Delhi as a precautionary measure.
According to airline sources, the number two engine of the aircraft reportedly failed, prompting the pilots to take immediate corrective action. Following standard safety procedures, the crew decided not to continue the flight to Leh and instead opted to turn back.
A SpiceJet spokesperson confirmed that the decision was taken prioritising passenger and crew safety. “The safety of passengers and crew remains our top priority,” the spokesperson said, adding that the aircraft was brought back immediately after the issue was detected.
As the flight turned around, airport authorities at IGI activated emergency protocols. Fire engines and ambulances were positioned near the runway to ensure a safe landing. The aircraft landed without incident, and passengers disembarked normally. There were no reports of injuries.
Officials clarified that contrary to certain reports circulating earlier, there was no fire in the cockpit during the incident. The aircraft has been grounded for detailed technical inspection. Engineers will conduct a comprehensive check to determine the exact cause of the engine malfunction before the aircraft is cleared for future operations.
The airline has reportedly made accommodation arrangements for passengers who were scheduled to travel to Leh. Another flight is expected to operate on February 25 to carry them to their destination.
The incident comes at a time when the airline is under scrutiny over operational management and fleet expansion plans. However, authorities stated that the situation at IGI Airport was handled as per established safety procedures and remained fully under control throughout.
Aviation experts note that emergency declarations are precautionary steps designed to ensure maximum preparedness on the ground. In this case, the quick response and adherence to protocol ensured a safe outcome despite the technical failure.
