IndiGo Flight Makes Emergency Landing in Bengaluru After ‘Mayday’ Fuel Distress Call

‘Mayday’: Guwahati-Chennai flight aborts landing; runs thin on fuel

An IndiGo flight en route from Guwahati to Chennai with 168 passengers on board made an emergency landing at Kempegowda International Airport (KIA), Bengaluru, on Thursday night after the pilot issued a 'Mayday' distress call citing low fuel levels.

Flight 6E-6764, operated by an Airbus A321, departed Guwahati at 4:40 p.m. and attempted to land at Chennai around 7:45 p.m. However, the pilot executed a 'go around' maneuver—also referred to as a ‘balked landing’—after the aircraft’s landing gear touched the runway.

Sources familiar with the incident stated that approximately 35 nautical miles from Bengaluru airport, the captain issued a ‘Mayday’ call, indicating a serious emergency due to insufficient fuel. “It appeared to be an unstabilized approach,” said one source, adding that the aircraft’s sudden and steep ascent after aborting the landing left several passengers alarmed.

Rather than attempt a second approach to Chennai, the pilot diverted to Bengaluru. Air traffic control at Kempegowda International Airport immediately alerted ground services, prompting emergency medical and fire teams to prepare for the aircraft’s arrival. The plane landed safely at 8:20 p.m.

Airport and ATC officials confirmed the emergency protocol and safe landing. According to reports, both pilots have been temporarily removed from active duty pending investigation, although IndiGo has not officially confirmed their removal.

The airline claimed the diversion was due to traffic congestion at Chennai airport, a statement disputed by Chennai ATC sources. Industry insiders suggest the aircraft may not have had the minimum mandatory diversion fuel required after the aborted landing attempt.

Following the emergency landing and subsequent refueling at Bengaluru, a different crew operated the aircraft, which departed later in the evening and landed in Chennai at 11:25 p.m.