An IndiGo flight going from Pune, Maharashtra to Guwahati had to return to Pune airport on Sunday morning due to a technical glitch. Shortly after takeoff, the plane's landing gear failed to go in. Considering the seriousness of the situation, a complete emergency was declared at the airport. After about one and a half hour the plane made a safe landing. All 192 passengers and crew members on board the aircraft are safe.
According to the information, IndiGo flight number 6E 623 took off from Pune for Guwahati on the morning of 15 November. After takeoff, the pilot discovered that the landing gear of the aircraft was not going back into place and was stuck out. The pilot immediately informed Air Traffic Control (ATC). After this it was decided to bring the plane back to Pune.
Complete emergency declared at the airport
As soon as the information was received, Pune Airport Administration, ATC, Indigo and other concerned agencies became active. The Indian Air Force, which is managing the airport, declared a complete emergency as a precautionary measure. Fire fighting vehicles, ambulances and emergency relief teams were kept on alert to deal with any possible situation during the landing.
Before landing the aircraft was passed at low altitude over the runway, allowing visual inspection of the condition of its landing gear. After this, the plane landed safely at Pune airport at around 9:04 am.
192 passengers and crew members safe
After landing, the aircraft was taken to bay number 7 under the supervision of three fire engines and two ambulances. The emergency was lifted at 9:10 am after the condition of the aircraft was found to be normal. After this the aerobridge was installed and all the passengers were taken out safely. There is no information about anyone being injured in the incident.
Arrangement of second plane to reach Guwahati
Indigo said that due to technical fault the plane had to return to Pune. At present, technical inspection and maintenance of the concerned aircraft is being done. It will be used for flying again only after necessary tests and approvals.
The airline has arranged for an alternative flight from Bengaluru to ferry the affected passengers to Guwahati. Along with providing regular information to the passengers, options for food, refreshments, second flight and refund as per rules are also being provided. The airline has apologized to passengers for this inconvenience.