Ahmedabad – An IndiGo flight bound for Diu experienced a sudden abort during take-off on Wednesday morning from Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport after an engine warning triggered the pilots to stop the aircraft mid-roll.
Flight 6E‑7966, an ATR 72‑600 carrying approximately 60 passengers and crew, began its take-off roll around 11:15 AM when the cockpit alerted an engine flameout warning. Responding swiftly, the flight team issued a “Mayday” call, safely returned the aircraft to the bay, and halted the operation in line with safety protocols .
IndiGo confirmed no injuries occurred and that all passengers and crew were safely disembarked . The airline offered full refunds or rebooking on the next available flight; in some cases, hotel accommodations and refreshments were arranged .
The aircraft has been grounded for detailed inspection and maintenance, with the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) initiating an inquiry into the incident, heightened by recent safety concerns following the AI‑171 crash in June .
Impact and Response
- Immediate disruption: Passengers traveling to Diu—a popular weekend getaway—were delayed, but IndiGo ensured minimal inconvenience through prompt re-accommodation and refunds .
- Safety-first approach: Aviation experts commend the airline for quickly halting take-off upon detection of engine alerts, showcasing robust training and operational discipline.
- Heightened oversight: With multiple technical incidents across carriers this month, regulators are expected to scrutinize maintenance routines and alarm responsiveness more intensively.
Aviation Nexus Insights
While take-off aborts are rare, this incident highlights the effectiveness of layered safety protocols in Indian aviation. Passengers may face minor delays, but these standard operating procedures prevent escalation into more serious situations. Prompt communication, technical follow-through, and regulatory monitoring will be key to maintaining public trust in IndiGo’s operations.
