An Air India Express flight headed from Bengaluru to Kochi had to make an emergency landing at the Kempegowda International Airport (KIA) in Bengaluru after a fire was noticed in one of the engines. The airport authorities and the airline ensured the safe evacuation of all passengers and crew members, with no reported injuries. The incident has caused inconvenience to the passengers, and alternative arrangements are being made for them to reach their destination.
Air India Express Flight Catches Fire: Emergency Landing in Bengaluru
On June 1, 2023, an Air India Express flight from Bengaluru to Kochi was forced to make an emergency landing at the Kempegowda International Airport (KIA) in Bengaluru after a fire broke out in one of its engines.
Background on Air India Express
Air India Express is a low-cost carrier and a subsidiary of Air India Limited. It was established in 2005 and primarily operates on regional routes within India. The airline has a fleet of Boeing 737-800 aircraft.
Incident Details
The flight, IX-482, had departed from Bengaluru at 6:40 PM with 182 passengers and 6 crew members on board. Approximately 20 minutes into the flight, passengers noticed smoke and flames coming from the left engine.
The pilot immediately contacted air traffic control and declared an emergency. The airport was alerted and emergency services were put on standby. The plane turned back towards Bengaluru and made an emergency landing at KIA around 7:10 PM.
Evacuation and Response
All passengers and crew members were safely evacuated using emergency slides. No injuries were reported. The airport authorities and airline staff assisted in the evacuation and provided medical attention to the passengers.
Investigation and Grounding
The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has ordered an investigation into the incident. The aircraft involved has been grounded for further inspection and maintenance.
Top 5 FAQs and Answers
1. What caused the fire?
The exact cause of the fire is still under investigation. However, preliminary reports suggest that it may have been a technical malfunction in the engine.
2. Is Air India Express safe?
Air India Express has a good safety record. However, like any airline, it has experienced incidents in the past.
3. What are some past incidents involving Air India Express?
4. What is being done to prevent similar incidents in the future?
The DGCA has ordered a thorough investigation into the recent incident. The airline is also reviewing its safety procedures and conducting additional training for its pilots and crew.
5. What should passengers do if they experience a similar incident?
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