Pune-Bengaluru-Kochi flight returns to Bengaluru after engine catches fire

Pune-Bengaluru-Kochi flight returns to Bengaluru after engine catches fire
An Air India Express flight (IX-1132) from Pune to Kochi, with a layover in Bengaluru, experienced a frightening incident when one of its engines caught fire shortly after takeoff, leaving Pune-based passengers stranded.
The Airbus A320, carrying over 175 passengers, had departed Bengaluru at 10:50 pm and was forced to return for an emergency landing just 10 minutes later.
Passengers reported hearing a loud noise from the right engine, which soon emitted flames. Panic ensued as the aircraft made a precautionary return to Bengaluru, touching down safely at 11:15 pm. Emergency slides were deployed, and passengers were evacuated, with some sustaining minor injuries in the process.
An Air India Express spokesperson stated, “As flames were seen emanating from the right engine after takeoff, the Bengaluru-Kochi flight elected to return and carried out a precautionary landing at Bengaluru. The ground services also reported flames, resulting in an evacuation. The crew accomplished an evacuation with no injuries to any guests. We regret the inconvenience this has caused and are working to provide alternative arrangements for our guests to reach their destination as soon as possible. A thorough investigation with the regulator shall be accomplished to establish the cause.”
The flight had initially departed from Pune at 8:20 pm and landed in Bengaluru at 9:50 pm before taking off again for Kochi. Following the emergency landing, passengers were instructed to move quickly towards the fields near the runway while fire tenders arrived on the scene.
One passenger from Pune noted that some passengers suffered minor injuries during the emergency evacuation. After about 20 minutes, the airline provided buses to transport the passengers to the terminal building. The stranded passengers had to wait at the Bengaluru airport for nearly 11 hours until a replacement aircraft was arranged.
The airline managed to provide an alternative aircraft at approximately 11:20 am on Sunday, allowing all passengers to finally reach Kochi at 12:10 pm.