A SpiceJet Boeing 737 en route to Leh from Delhi on Tuesday faced a sudden technical hiccup, forcing it to return and land safely at IGI Airport. Flight SG121’s crew detected the anomaly mid-air, prioritizing a swift turnaround to ensure passenger safety.
Upon touchdown, all travelers were safely evacuated, with no reports of injuries or panic. The airline’s statement clarified no cockpit fire alerts were triggered, but sources point to a potential issue with one of the engines.
This isn’t an isolated event for the low-cost carrier. Recalling last November’s drama, flight SG670 from Mumbai to Kolkata battled engine failure during landing at Kolkata, yet touched down securely, allowing normal deboarding.
On September 12 of the previous year, a Kandla-Mumbai Q400 flight required an emergency landing at Mumbai after takeoff when a runway wheel was spotted trailing behind. The resolution was flawless, safeguarding all on board.
October saw yet another Delhi-Patna Boeing 737 (SG497) return post-takeoff due to technical woes, landing routinely and with alternate flights arranged seamlessly.
These recurring incidents spotlight SpiceJet’s response mechanisms, from pilot training to ground support, in an industry where split-second decisions define outcomes. As investigations proceed, passengers can take solace in the airline’s commitment to zero compromises on safety.