An IndiGo flight from Ahmedabad to Diu aborted its takeoff on Wednesday, July 23, 2025, after an engine caught fire. The incident occurred during the takeoff roll, prompting the pilot to issue a 'Mayday' call to the Air Traffic Control (ATC).
The IndiGo flight, identified as 6E 7966 and operating an ATR76 aircraft, was scheduled to depart from Ahmedabad airport at 11:00 AM. There were 60 passengers on board. As the aircraft began its takeoff roll, the pilots noticed a technical snag, with flames emanating from one of the engines. In response, the pilot immediately aborted the takeoff and informed the authorities, following standard operating procedures.
Visuals from the airport showed smoke coming from one side of the aircraft. Airport fire services and emergency personnel responded quickly to the situation. All 60 passengers were safely evacuated from the aircraft. While there were no reported injuries, some passengers experienced panic and distress.
IndiGo issued a statement confirming the incident. According to the spokesperson, a technical snag was noticed just before takeoff. The pilots followed protocol by informing authorities and returning the aircraft to the bay for necessary checks and maintenance. The airline also expressed regret for the inconvenience caused to passengers and offered refreshments, accommodations on the next available flight, or full refunds for cancellations.
The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has launched an investigation into the incident to determine the cause of the engine fire. The investigation will likely involve a review of the aircraft's maintenance logs and crew testimonies.
This incident is the latest in a string of aviation mishaps in India, raising concerns about air safety. Just recently, an Air India flight experienced an auxiliary power unit (APU) fire shortly after landing in Delhi on Tuesday, July 22, 2025. The Air India Flight AI 315, which came from Hong Kong to Delhi, experienced the fire after it had landed and was parked at the gate. The auxiliary power unit (APU) automatically shut down as designed. The aircraft sustained some damage and has been grounded for investigations. Also, an Air India Express flight from Kochi to Muscat had to return to base shortly after takeoff due to a suspected technical snag. Furthermore, an Air India flight AI2744, operating from Kochi to Mumbai, skidded off the runway while landing during heavy rain at the Mumbai Airport.
Most notably, the crash of an Air India Dreamliner in Ahmedabad last month, on June 12, 2025, resulted in 260 fatalities. The Air India flight crashed into the BJ Medical College compound. A preliminary report indicated that the fuel supply to both engines was cut off shortly after takeoff, leading to the crash. Civil Aviation Minister Murlidhar Mohol informed the Rajya Sabha that nine show cause notices have been issued to Air India regarding five safety violations related to the crash.