Chennai, Aug 12
An IndiGo flight operating from Kolkata to Chennai declared a full emergency late on Tuesday after one of its engines was reported inoperative, the Airports Authority of India (AAI) and the airline said. The aircraft landed safely at Chennai International Airport with all 224 people on board, officials added.
The AAI said the flight departed Kolkata at 9.20 p.m. and was scheduled to arrive in Chennai at 11.30 p.m. As the aircraft approached Chennai, the pilot informed Air Traffic Control (ATC) that the left engine was inoperative. A full emergency was declared at 11.29 p.m., after which airport emergency response arrangements were activated.
- Flight: IndiGo 6E 723 (Kolkata–Chennai)
- Passengers on board: 224
- Declared full emergency: 11.29 p.m.
- Actual landing: 11.37 p.m.
The aircraft landed safely at 11.37 p.m., the AAI statement said, adding that the necessary emergency response teams had been deployed to facilitate the arrival. Passenger disembarkation and on-ground handling were completed without incident, the authority said.
“IndiGo flight 6E 723, operating from Kolkata to Chennai on August 11, 2026, experienced a technical snag shortly before landing in Chennai,” the airline said in a statement.
IndiGo said the pilots followed standard operating procedures, informed relevant authorities and made a priority landing at the Chennai airport. The carrier added that the aircraft is undergoing necessary checks and maintenance and will resume operations only after receiving the requisite clearances.
Financial and aviation news aggregators reported that the aircraft experienced an engine snag and an oil leak while on approach, prompting the declaration of the emergency and mobilisation of emergency services. The AAI and the airline statements did not elaborate on the cause beyond describing the engine as inoperative; investigations and technical inspections are under way.
| Event | Time (IST) |
|---|---|
| Departure from Kolkata | 9.20 p.m. |
| Scheduled arrival in Chennai | 11.30 p.m. |
| Full emergency declared | 11.29 p.m. |
| Actual landing | 11.37 p.m. |
The incident occurred amid heightened scrutiny of airline safety procedures across the country, but there was no immediate indication of injuries or damage. Airport operations at Chennai were not reported to have been disrupted long-term; normal flight movements resumed after the aircraft was secured and the scene cleared.
Local airport officials said post-landing inspections and maintenance checks were being carried out by the airline and authorised maintenance organisations. The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) was not named in the AAI statement; however, standard protocol would involve reporting such technical events to regulatory authorities for further review.
Authorities and the airline reiterated that safety protocols were followed and that the swift response by ATC and emergency teams helped ensure the safe outcome. Passengers were assisted at the terminal, and IndiGo said it would provide necessary support to travellers affected by the incident.
The aircraft involved is currently grounded pending completion of technical checks and clearance by competent engineers. Further details on the nature of the mechanical fault and the timeline for the aircraft’s return to service will be made available after the conclusion of inspections and any regulatory reporting.
Chennai International Airport handles a high volume of domestic and international traffic, and the successful handling of this emergency underlines the coordination among airline crews, ATC and airport emergency services, officials said.
