Bengaluru: An Air India Express flight en route from Bengaluru to Kochi had to make an unexpected landing back in Bengaluru due to a fire detected in one of its engines, according to Bangalore International Airport Limited on Sunday.
According to a statement from Air India Express, all the passengers and crew were safely evacuated, and there were no injuries reported.
Sources report that the fire was detected shortly after the aircraft’s departure.
The flight crew notified the Air Traffic Control, prompting the declaration of a full-scale emergency.
Shortly following the emergency landing at Kempegowda International Airport (KIA) in Bengaluru, the fire was promptly put out.
A spokesperson for BIAL, the operator of KIA, stated, “On May 18, 2024, flight IX 1132 from Bengaluru to Kochi had to make an emergency landing at BLR Airport at 2312 hours due to a reported engine fire.”
An emergency alert was issued, and the fire was quickly put out once the plane landed. All 179 passengers and six crew members were safely evacuated from the aircraft, according to a spokesperson from Bangalore International Airport Limited (BIAL).
A representative from Air India Express stated that because of suspected flames from the right engine post-takeoff, the Bengaluru-Kochi flight decided to turn back and made a precautionary landing in Bengaluru. Ground services also observed flames, leading to an evacuation.
“The team successfully carried out an evacuation with no harm to any passengers. We apologize for the inconvenience this has caused and are actively working to offer alternative travel plans for our guests to reach their destination promptly,” it stated.
“A comprehensive inquiry with the regulatory body will be conducted to determine the cause,” it stated.
