An IndiGo flight from Kolkata to Srinagar made an emergency landing at Varanasi’s Lal Bahadur Shastri International Airport on Wednesday afternoon after the crew detected a suspected fuel leak mid-air. The aircraft, flight 6E-6961, was carrying 166 passengers and crew members and landed safely around 4:10 pm, averting what could have been a serious in-flight emergency.
Swift Action by Crew and ATC
According to airport officials, the pilot noticed irregularities in the fuel system shortly after takeoff and promptly informed Air Traffic Control (ATC). ATC immediately cleared the aircraft for an emergency landing at the nearest airport.
Emergency teams, including fire and rescue units, were deployed on standby as the flight made its descent. The crew handled the situation with calm precision, ensuring a smooth and controlled landing.
All Passengers Safe
After the aircraft came to a halt, all passengers were safely evacuated and escorted to the terminal. IndiGo confirmed that no injuries or distress cases were reported. Technical engineers have begun inspecting the aircraft to determine the cause of the suspected leak before it resumes service.
Passengers Praise Crew’s Professionalism
Several passengers later took to social media to praise the crew’s composure during the incident.
“The pilot and crew acted swiftly and reassured everyone. We felt safe throughout,” wrote one passenger on X (formerly Twitter).
IndiGo’s Statement
In an official statement, IndiGo said that the safety of passengers and crew remains the airline’s top priority. “The flight made a precautionary landing in Varanasi due to a suspected technical issue. All passengers are safe, and necessary checks are underway,” the airline said.
A Crisis Managed with Precision
The prompt coordination between the flight crew, ATC, and emergency responders ensured that a potentially dangerous situation ended safely. The incident underscores IndiGo’s adherence to strict safety standards and the crew’s quick decision-making under pressure.
