IndiGo Flight Makes Emergency Landing at Bengaluru Due to Weather and Fuel Concerns

An IndiGo flight bound for Goa had to make an emergency return landing at Bengaluru‘s Kempegowda International Airport on October 8, 2024, following a low fuel alert and adverse weather conditions. The flight 6E 6168, which departed from Bengaluru at 5:50 PM, was forced to divert back to the city before reaching its destination, according to sources quoted by Moneycontrol.

The aircraft, an Airbus A321, was carrying 222 passengers when it encountered severe thunderstorms and lightning as it approached Goa. As a result, the flight was diverted at about 7:45 PM and landed back in Bengaluru, much to the inconvenience of its passengers, many of whom had to wait until nearly 11 PM before the flight could proceed.

In a statement released by an IndiGo spokesperson, it was clarified, “Flight 6E 6168 operating from Bengaluru to Goa on October 8 was diverted back to Bengaluru due to adverse weather conditions in Goa.” The spokesperson further emphasized that all protocols were followed to ensure passenger safety. “Captain followed all laid down procedures in coordination with ATC to ensure a safe landing in Bengaluru. At no point was safety compromised,” the statement added. Passengers were provided with refreshments during the wait, and the airline expressed regret for any disruption caused.

The flight was among several others affected by the intense weather in Goa on Tuesday. A senior official at the Goa International Airport reported that five flights were redirected due to the heavy rainfall and thunderstorms, with two diverted to Hyderabad and three to Bengaluru. Normal operations resumed after the weather improved at approximately 12:10 AM on Wednesday.

While the incident highlights the impact of severe weather on aviation operations, IndiGo has yet to comment on any potential compensation for the affected travelers. Updates on the airline’s handling of the situation and any further measures remain awaited.