What Happened?
On the night of July 16, 2025, IndiGo flight 6E‑6271 traveling from New Delhi (DEL) to Goa (GOX) experienced a mid-air engine failure, prompting the pilot to declare a “PAN‑PAN” emergency call.
The Airbus A320neo aircraft, carrying 191 passengers and crew, was diverted to Mumbai International Airport. The flight landed safely at 21:52 IST, where emergency services were already on standby.
What is “PAN‑PAN”?
PAN‑PAN is an internationally recognized radio signal used by pilots to indicate an urgent situation that is not immediately life-threatening. It’s one level below a “Mayday” call, which is reserved for distress situations involving imminent danger to life or the aircraft.
Declaring PAN‑PAN allowed air traffic controllers to prioritize the aircraft and coordinate emergency response teams upon landing.
Who Was Involved?
- Airline: IndiGo (India’s largest domestic carrier)
- Flight: 6E‑6271 (DEL to GOX)
- Aircraft: Airbus A320neo, registration VT‑IZB
- Onboard: 191 people — no injuries or fatalities were reported
Where and When Did It Occur?
The issue occurred shortly after takeoff from Delhi, when the aircraft was in cruise phase toward Goa. As soon as the crew detected signs of engine trouble, they initiated standard procedures, declared PAN‑PAN, and requested a diversion.
The aircraft was safely rerouted to Mumbai, landing under single-engine operation — a maneuver that is standard and well-practiced in modern aviation.
Why Does It Matter?
While no injuries occurred, the incident raises attention to:
- The importance of real-time crew communication and training
- The performance and reliability of aircraft engines
- The effectiveness of emergency infrastructure at major Indian airports
What Happens Next?
- Technical inspections are underway to determine the exact cause of the engine failure.
- IndiGo’s engineering team, in coordination with engine manufacturers, will issue a report.
- DGCA (Directorate General of Civil Aviation) may open a formal inquiry to assess compliance and maintenance history.
Final Word
The IndiGo 6E‑6271 incident is a powerful reminder of the robustness of aviation safety protocols. From cockpit discipline to emergency ground support, every part of the system worked seamlessly — proving once again why flying remains the safest mode of transport today.
