Emergency Evacuation at Bengaluru Airport After Smoke Incident on Indigo Flight

Smoke Incident Averted at Bengaluru Airport

A significant incident was narrowly avoided at Kempegowda International Airport in Bengaluru on Tuesday evening. Just before takeoff, an Indigo flight bound for Chennai experienced a sudden influx of smoke in both the cockpit and cabin. This prompted the emergency evacuation of over 230 passengers and crew members aboard the aircraft. Fortunately, during the evacuation process, only two passengers sustained minor injuries.

In light of the seriousness of the situation, the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has grounded the aircraft until further inspections can be conducted and has initiated a thorough investigation into the cause of the incident.

The aviation regulator, DGCA, is actively looking into the matter and has prohibited the aircraft from flying until it is cleared for service. Indigo Airlines confirmed that all passengers and crew were safe and were taken to the terminal, where airline staff are providing assistance.

According to the airline, the incident occurred on flight 6E 6017, which was preparing for takeoff from Bengaluru to Chennai on May 26, 2026, when smoke was detected. Passengers were swiftly evacuated for safety, and all relevant authorities were notified. Reports indicate that the Airbus A321 had over 230 individuals on board.

The DGCA stated that the emergency evacuation was executed from the A321 aircraft VT-IME. The regulator explained that smoke was observed in the cockpit and cabin after the aircraft had begun to taxi on the runway following pushback. In aviation terms, pushback refers to the process of moving an aircraft away from the gate using a specialized tractor, as planes do not have reverse gears.

The DGCA noted that the crew utilized all emergency slides to safely evacuate the passengers. Although two individuals suffered minor injuries during the process, the aircraft has been grounded for inspection and repairs. The regulator is conducting an investigation into the incident.

Indigo Airlines has arranged for an alternative aircraft to accommodate the affected passengers for their journey.

Official Statements from Indigo and DGCA

Following the incident, Indigo Airlines released an official statement emphasizing that passenger safety is their top priority. They confirmed that all passengers and crew members were safely evacuated and that relevant authorities were informed. The passengers were taken to the terminal building, where airline staff are attending to their needs. Additionally, the airline has arranged for an alternative aircraft for passengers traveling to Chennai to ensure they can complete their journey. The affected aircraft remains grounded as a detailed investigation into the technical malfunction is underway.