An Air India Express flight from Bengaluru to Kochi made an emergency landing at Bengaluru’s Kempegowda International Airport (KIA) after a fire was detected in one of its engines. The incident, which occurred on May 18, 2024, prompted a swift and effective response from the crew and airport authorities, ensuring the safety of all on board.
The flight, designated IX 1132, had just taken off from Bengaluru when the crew noticed flames coming from the right engine. The alert was given to the Air Traffic Controller immediately, and a full-scale emergency was declared. According to sources, the fire was detected within minutes of departure, underscoring the critical nature of the situation.
A spokesperson from Bangalore International Airport Limited (BIAL), which manages KIA, confirmed the incident in a statement: “On May 18, 2024, IX 1132 from Bengaluru to Kochi made an emergency landing at BLR Airport at 2312 hrs due to a reported fire in one of the engines.” The statement continued, noting that all 179 passengers and six crew members were safely evacuated following the emergency landing, and the fire was promptly extinguished upon arrival.
Air India Express also issued a statement regarding the incident. The spokesperson explained that the crew decided to return to Bengaluru for a precautionary landing after detecting suspected flames from the right engine. Ground services corroborated the crew’s observations, leading to an immediate evacuation once the aircraft was on the ground.
“The crew accomplished an evacuation with no injuries to any guests,” the statement read. “We regret the inconvenience this has caused and are working to provide alternative arrangements for our guests to reach their destination as soon as possible.”
The swift and professional handling of the situation by the Air India Express crew and the ground services at KIA ensured that all passengers and crew members were unharmed. The incident has, however, raised questions about the cause of the engine fire. To address these concerns, Air India Express has promised a thorough investigation in collaboration with regulatory authorities.
“A thorough investigation with the regulator shall be accomplished to establish the cause,” the airline stated. This investigation will be crucial in determining the factors that led to the engine fire and in preventing similar incidents in the future.
This emergency landing underscores the importance of rigorous safety protocols and training for airline crews and ground services. The quick decision-making and effective coordination between the flight crew and airport authorities played a vital role in ensuring the safety of all passengers and crew members.
As investigations proceed, Air India Express and aviation authorities will aim to identify and rectify any issues to enhance the safety of future flights. In the meantime, the airline is focused on minimizing the disruption caused to passengers, providing them with alternative travel arrangements to reach Kochi.
The incident at Kempegowda International Airport serves as a reminder of the critical importance of safety measures in aviation. While the cause of the engine fire is still to be determined, the effective emergency response has demonstrated the high standards of training and preparedness within the airline industry.
For now, passengers and their families can take comfort in the knowledge that despite the unexpected and dangerous situation, the professionalism and preparedness of the Air India Express crew ensured that everyone aboard flight IX 1132 returned safely to the ground.
