Kolkata Airport on Sunday morning, prompting pilots to abort take off and bring the aircraft safely to a halt. The incident involved an Airbus A320ceo, registration VT-IAX, operating as flight 6E-245.
The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) confirmed that the failure occurred in the aircraft’s left engine, known as engine number one, during the critical phase of take off. Following the engine fault, the flight crew followed established safety protocols to reject the take off, successfully averting any potential danger to passengers and crew.Scheduled to depart at 6 am, the flight was delayed after the incident. IndiGo arranged for a replacement aircraft, a newer A320neo (VT-IQO), which departed Kolkata for Ahmedabad at 8.35 am, minimising disruption for travellers.
The affected aircraft, VT-IAX, is nearly 11 years old and part of IndiGo’s older A320ceo fleet. Previously, IndiGo maintained a policy of operating younger aircraft, typically returning planes to lessors after six years to focus on the more fuel-efficient A320neo family. However, ongoing global supply chain disruptions since 2020 have delayed deliveries of new aircraft, engines, and essential components, forcing airlines—including IndiGo, Air India, and Akasa—to retain older aircraft longer than planned.This strategy shift reflects broader challenges facing Indian and international carriers in balancing fleet modernisation with operational continuity amid procurement bottlenecks. The prolonged use of older aircraft like the A320ceo impacts not only operational costs but also the airlines’ goals towards sustainability and reduced carbon emissions.
Engine failures in commercial aviation are rare but critical events that test safety measures and pilot response. The DGCA has initiated an investigation into the incident, while IndiGo is conducting technical inspections and repairs on the aircraft.
Experts note that the crew’s prompt decision to reject the take off underlines the robustness of aviation safety protocols in India. Passengers were unharmed and efficiently transferred to the replacement flight, preserving confidence in the airline’s operational management.The episode highlights the tension between the aviation industry’s environmental ambitions and the practical realities of fleet maintenance and supply chain challenges. As India’s largest carrier, IndiGo’s handling of such incidents remains under close observation by regulators and the public alike.
While investigations continue, the incident underscores the importance of rigorous maintenance and contingency planning to ensure passenger safety and uphold industry standards in an evolving aviation landscape.
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IndiGo Flight in Kolkata Faces Engine Fault
