Chennai, June 20, 2025 — An IndiGo flight operating between Guwahati and Chennai triggered a “fuel Mayday” emergency on Thursday evening, resulting in a sudden diversion and emergency landing at Kempegowda International Airport, Bengaluru. The aircraft, carrying 168 passengers, safely landed without any reported injuries.
Flight 6E-6764 departed from Guwahati at approximately 4:40 PM and was scheduled to land in Chennai around 7:45 PM. However, after encountering a delayed landing clearance—reportedly due to air traffic congestion or an unstabilized approach—the pilot was forced to abort the landing and enter a holding pattern. The captain issued a “fuel Mayday” call as fuel levels dropped critically. This serious aviation protocol signifies the aircraft is running low on reserve fuel and requires immediate priority for landing.
The distress call prompted a swift response from Bengaluru Air Traffic Control, where emergency protocols were activated. The aircraft landed safely at 8:15 PM, about 35 nautical miles from the point of Mayday declaration. Passengers were deboarded and provided refreshments at the terminal while the aircraft was refueled.
IndiGo confirmed that all 168 passengers were safe and that another crew facilitated the onward journey to Chennai later the same evening. The final leg of the trip concluded between 10:24 and 11:00 PM.
Aviation experts noted that while a “fuel Mayday” is not as critical as a general Mayday, it still demands immediate action. Such alerts are declared when an aircraft cannot remain airborne for more than 30 minutes due to fuel constraints. The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has been notified of the incident and is likely to launch an inquiry into the delay and subsequent fuel shortage.
Sources also confirmed that the original flight crew had been taken off the roster pending further internal review, as is standard protocol after any emergency declaration. The incident has once again highlighted the growing concern over air traffic congestion at major Indian airports and the increasing need for better slot management, especially during peak hours. Chennai airport has recently seen a spike in flight traffic, and experts are calling for more robust contingency protocols to avoid similar situations in the future.
Passengers onboard expressed appreciation for the crew’s professionalism and clear communication throughout the ordeal. “We were nervous when the announcement was made, but the landing was smooth and the airline handled it responsibly,” said one traveler.
This event adds to a series of recent aviation incidents nationwide, sparking renewed conversations about flight safety, pilot fatigue, and infrastructure preparedness amid growing passenger demand.
