Ahmedabad, July 23, 2025 — An IndiGo flight bound for Diu was forced to abort takeoff at Ahmedabad’s Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport early Tuesday morning after one of its engines reportedly caught fire mid-runway. The incident triggered panic among passengers, but swift action by the pilots and ground staff ensured that all on board were evacuated safely, with no injuries reported.
The incident took place around 7:15 AM when smoke and flames were observed emanating from the aircraft’s right engine during the takeoff roll. Emergency protocols were immediately activated, and the aircraft was halted on the runway. Fire tenders rushed to the spot and extinguished the blaze before it could spread further.
Airport authorities have launched an investigation into the cause of the engine fire. Preliminary reports suggest a possible technical malfunction, though a detailed analysis by the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) is awaited.
Passengers on board praised the crew for their quick response. “We could see smoke coming out from one side. There was a moment of fear, but the crew acted very fast. They kept us calm and guided everyone out,” said a passenger who was travelling to attend a family function in Diu.
This incident adds to the growing list of technical snags and safety scares involving commercial flights in recent months.
Similar Incidents in Recent Times
- June 28, 2025: A SpiceJet flight from Delhi to Srinagar made an emergency landing shortly after takeoff due to an engine vibration warning. The aircraft returned safely to IGI Airport, and no injuries were reported.
- May 11, 2025: A Go First flight en route to Patna from Mumbai experienced a sudden loss of cabin pressure, prompting an emergency descent. Oxygen masks were deployed, and the flight diverted to Nagpur.
- April 19, 2025: An Air India Express aircraft suffered a tire burst while landing at Kozhikode International Airport. Although the landing was hard, passengers were evacuated safely.
- March 7, 2025: An IndiGo flight from Hyderabad to Bengaluru returned to base due to smoke detected in the cockpit. The airline later cited an air-conditioning system fault.
These recurring incidents have raised concerns among aviation safety experts and passengers alike. Many are calling for more stringent inspections and improved maintenance oversight of aircraft fleets across airlines.
The DGCA has reportedly intensified its surveillance and issued advisories to airline operators, urging enhanced pre-flight checks, particularly during the monsoon season when weather-related risks are high.
As the number of air travelers continues to rise post-pandemic, ensuring passenger safety remains a top priority for civil aviation authorities.
