Flight 6E-2111, which had already accelerated on the runway at Lucknow Airport, was forced to perform an “aborted takeoff” due to insufficient engine thrust required for liftoff.
File image of an IndiGo plane
An IndiGo flight bound for Delhi was abruptly halted during takeoff on Saturday after the pilot detected a technical issue with the aircraft’s engine.
Flight 6E-2111, which had already accelerated on the runway at Lucknow Airport, was forced to perform an “aborted takeoff” due to insufficient engine thrust required for liftoff.
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There were 151 passengers onboard, including Samajwadi Party MP Dimple Yadav, wife of party chief Akhilesh Yadav. The sudden halt caused panic among the passengers, many of whom reported hearing an unusual noise as the aircraft gained speed. Fortunately, the pilot applied emergency brakes in time and prevented a potential mishap.
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Sources at the airport confirmed that the pilot immediately informed Air Traffic Control (ATC) about the situation and decided to abort the takeoff. The aircraft was safely brought to a stop on the runway and later returned via taxiway to bay number 07.
All passengers were safely deboarded and later accommodated on an alternative flight to Delhi.
The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has taken note of the incident and has sought a detailed report from IndiGo.
In an official statement, IndiGo said: “The aircraft operating flight 6E-2111 from Lucknow to Delhi had to abort takeoff due to a technical issue. The safety of our passengers is our top priority.”
While the airline acknowledged the technical issue, it did not provide specific details regarding the nature of the fault. However, airport sources suggest that the aircraft engine was unable to generate the necessary thrust, prompting the pilot to halt takeoff as a precautionary measure.
An “aborted takeoff” occurs when a plane, while accelerating on the runway, is stopped before takeoff due to safety concerns such as engine failure, strange noises, or technical malfunctions. In such cases, pilots are trained to apply emergency braking procedures to prevent any risk to passengers or the aircraft.
One relieved passenger told reporters, “God saved us. If the plane had taken off with that fault, it could have ended in disaster.”
DGCA’s investigation will determine whether there was a mechanical failure, procedural lapse, or any other factor behind the incident.
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