SpiceJet Flight Engine Failure Causes Panic at Delhi Airport
Emergency Declared After Engine Failure
Chaos erupted at Indira Gandhi International Airport (IGI) in Delhi when a SpiceJet aircraft heading to Leh experienced an engine failure mid-flight. The incident left 150 passengers in a state of panic as the pilot reported a technical issue and turned the plane back towards Delhi.
A Terrifying Experience for Passengers
Imagine being thousands of feet above ground, surrounded by clouds, when suddenly the powerful engine of your aircraft stops functioning. For the passengers aboard SpiceJet flight SG121, this was a nightmarish reality. Just moments after takeoff, as the plane was gaining speed, news of the engine failure spread through the cabin, causing both screams and silence. Instead of a clear blue sky, a shadow of fear loomed outside the windows, and thoughts of loved ones flooded the passengers' minds. Every second felt heavy as the massive metal bird relied entirely on the pilots' skills and a bit of luck.
Emergency Measures Implemented
According to sources involved in the situation, an emergency was declared at the airport to ensure priority landing and the availability of medical and fire services.
Safe Landing and Passenger Well-being
At the time of the incident, the Boeing 737 was carrying approximately 150 passengers. A spokesperson for the airline confirmed that the flight returning to Delhi was due to technical difficulties. In a statement, the spokesperson assured, "The aircraft landed safely in Delhi, and all passengers were disembarked normally." Maintenance teams are expected to conduct further inspections of the aircraft.
SpiceJet's Fleet Expansion Plans
SpiceJet is actively working on expanding its fleet. Last week, the airline announced plans to increase its fleet to around 60 aircraft through a combination of wet and damp leasing, while also gradually bringing grounded planes back into service.
Growth in Domestic Market Share
According to a company release, the airline's domestic market share rose to 4.3 percent in December, up from 1.9 percent in September of the previous year. This increase was attributed to a 56 percent rise in capacity during the December quarter. The carrier aims to more than double its capacity by winter 2026, targeting 220 crore available seat kilometers.
Continued Commitment to Fleet Growth
The release stated, "The airline is working to expand its fleet to approximately 60 aircraft through a mix of wet and damp leasing, while also focusing on gradually returning grounded aircraft to service."