Midair engine failure on Air India Express flight from Delhi to Indore, but successful emergency landing ensues

On the 31st of August, 2023, Air India flight AI2913 from Delhi to Indore returned to its departure airport shortly after take-off due to a fire indication in the right engine. This incident comes days after another Air India flight on the same route issued a PAN-PAN call and returned to Delhi, with a fire indication in the left engine.

The initial call made by the pilot of flight AI2913 was a MAYDAY call, signalling an emergency situation. However, it was later downgraded to a PAN-PAN call. A PAN-PAN call is initiated by repeating the word "PAN-PAN" three times to signal an urgency that is not immediately life-threatening. Its function is to alert nearby stations of a situation requiring urgent attention, but without the immediate danger of a distress call.

The earlier flight also issued a MAYDAY call initially, and it too landed safely in Delhi. Both flights followed standard procedures, with the cockpit crew shutting down the affected engines. The flights carried a total of 161 passengers, and all passengers disembarked safely.

At the time of writing, no further details about the cause of the engine fires have been released. Air India has not provided any updates regarding the affected planes or the passengers' well-being. The airline has promised a thorough investigation into the incidents to ensure the safety and security of its passengers.

This series of incidents serves as a reminder of the importance of aircraft safety and maintenance. Air India has a strong safety record, but incidents like these can shake public confidence and prompt calls for increased scrutiny and transparency. The airline has assured its passengers and the public that it is committed to maintaining the highest safety standards.

Midair engine failure on Air India Express flight from Delhi to Indore, but successful emergency landing ensues