An IndiGo flight from Pune to Guwahati returned safely to Pune airport after its landing gear failed to retract shortly after take-off, triggering a full emergency response and delaying the onward journey of all 192 passengers and crew on board.
The Airbus A320-271N, operating as flight 6E 623, landed at 9.04am after remaining airborne for more than an hour. Pune airport director Santosh Dhoke said the Indian Air Force declared a full emergency after the pilot alerted Air Traffic Control about the technical problem.
Airport authorities coordinated with ATC, IndiGo and other agencies, while fire services, ambulances and emergency response teams were placed on high alert. As part of the procedure, the aircraft made a low pass over the runway so officials could visually assess the condition of its landing gear before it returned to the airport.
“Immediately after receiving information from the pilot, airport authorities coordinated with ATC, IndiGo and all agencies concerned. Fire services, ambulances and other emergency response teams were placed on high alert to ensure the safety of passengers and crew,” Dhoke said.
After landing, the aircraft was escorted to bay number 7 by three firefighting vehicles and two ambulances. The full emergency was withdrawn at 9.10am after the aircraft’s safe condition was confirmed. An aerobridge was then connected and all passengers were deboarded safely.
The flight had been scheduled to leave Pune at 7.15am and arrive in Guwahati at about 10am. It took off at 7.32am, but the landing gear remained extended instead of retracting. Sources said the aircraft stayed airborne for an extended period to burn off excess fuel and reduce its weight to an appropriate level for landing, a precaution used in some emergency situations depending on fuel load and landing-weight limits.
A passenger said the announcement that the aircraft would return to Pune came as a surprise, although there had been no noticeable jerks or unusual movements during the flight. The cabin crew asked passengers to remain calm and fasten their seatbelts, the passenger said.
IndiGo said the aircraft was undergoing maintenance checks and would resume operations only after receiving the necessary clearances. The airline arranged an alternative aircraft from Bengaluru, identified as VT-IZD, to carry the stranded passengers to Guwahati.
The replacement aircraft departed Pune at about 2.20pm and reached Guwahati at 4.46pm, ending an almost eight-hour disruption for the affected passengers. IndiGo said it was assisting passengers through regular updates, meals and refreshments, alternate flight options and refunds, wherever applicable.
