PAN-PAN-PAN Alert: IndiGo Aircraft Faces Engine Trouble, Lands Safely in Nagpur

In a dramatic turn of events earlier today, an IndiGo flight en route from Delhi to Goa declared a mid-air emergency after one of its engines reportedly failed. The flight crew broadcasted a ‘PAN-PAN-PAN’ emergency call—a standard aviation distress signal used to indicate an urgent but non-life-threatening situation—prompting an immediate diversion.

The aircraft, an Airbus A320neo, had just crossed into central India’s airspace when the crew detected abnormal engine behavior. Following protocol, they informed Air Traffic Control (ATC) and were granted priority landing at Nagpur Airport, where emergency services were kept on standby.

All 177 passengers and crew on board are safe, and no injuries have been reported. According to IndiGo’s official statement, the pilot followed all safety procedures and landed the aircraft smoothly.

“The flight crew declared a PAN-PAN-PAN call due to a technical anomaly. The aircraft landed safely, and our engineers are currently inspecting the engine,” the airline said.

Passengers were provided refreshments and transferred to another aircraft to continue their journey to Goa. The airline also assured full cooperation with DGCA (Directorate General of Civil Aviation) for a thorough investigation.

What is PAN-PAN-PAN?

Unlike the more serious “MAYDAY” call, a PAN-PAN-PAN emergency denotes urgency but not immediate danger to life. It typically covers scenarios like minor technical issues, low fuel, or medical assistance that don't warrant full-scale emergency protocols.

Aviation Safety in Focus

This incident adds to the ongoing scrutiny of aviation safety in India, especially concerning the Pratt & Whitney engines used in many Airbus A320neo aircraft. While such failures are rare, repeated technical incidents have pushed airlines and regulators to reevaluate maintenance schedules and engine supplier agreements.

Conclusion

The quick thinking and professionalism of the IndiGo crew prevented what could have become a much more dangerous situation. While the cause of the engine issue is still under investigation, today’s event reinforces the importance of emergency training, regular inspections, and rapid response by ground and air teams.

Stay tuned for updates on this developing story.