Passengers aboard an Air India flight from Delhi to Indore experienced tense moments on Saturday after the aircraft, operating as Flight AI2913, returned to the Indira Gandhi International Airport shortly after takeoff following an engine fire indication.
The airline has confirmed that all passengers and crew are safe and were promptly transferred to an alternative aircraft to continue their journey to Indore.
Incident Summary
According to airline officials, shortly after takeoff, the cockpit warning system indicated a possible fire in one of the aircraft’s engines. Following standard operating procedures, the pilot immediately contacted Air Traffic Control (ATC) and sought clearance for an emergency return.
The aircraft landed safely in Delhi without any injuries reported among passengers or crew. Emergency response teams were on standby as per aviation safety protocols, but no visible fire or smoke was observed upon landing.
Air India has since grounded the aircraft for a detailed technical inspection by its engineering team, along with regulatory authorities and independent safety experts.
Air India’s Official Statement
In a statement, Air India said:
“Flight AI2913, operating between Delhi and Indore, experienced an engine fire indication soon after departure. The aircraft returned to Delhi as a precautionary measure. All passengers were safely deplaned and are being accommodated on an alternative aircraft, which will operate the flight to Indore shortly.”
The airline emphasized that passenger safety remains its highest priority and that its crew followed all global safety protocols.
Passenger Experience
Several passengers described the incident as “concerning but professionally handled.” Many praised the crew for maintaining calm on board and keeping travelers informed throughout the emergency return.
One passenger, who shared his experience on social media, wrote:
“We felt the plane stabilizing shortly after takeoff and then the announcement came that we were returning to Delhi due to a technical issue. The crew was calm, and so were most passengers, though it was naturally stressful for a few minutes.”
Technical & Safety Investigation Underway
Air India engineers, in coordination with the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), are conducting a comprehensive safety check on the grounded aircraft. The inspection will focus on the engine system, sensors, and related components to determine whether the alert was a false alarm or an actual technical fault.
Preliminary findings indicate that the indication might have been sensor-related, but this will only be confirmed after thorough checks.
Current Flight Status — AI2913
- Flight AI2913 (Delhi to Indore) initially departed from Delhi but returned to the airport shortly after takeoff.
- All passengers were transferred to another aircraft.
- The alternative flight departed safely for Indore after a brief delay.
- Air India has confirmed that no further disruptions are expected for subsequent flights on the Delhi–Indore route.
Aviation Safety Perspective
Incidents like these highlight the multi-layered safety protocols in modern aviation. Engine fire indications are taken seriously, even if they turn out to be false alerts. The decision to return immediately reflects the industry’s safety-first approach.
Aviation experts note that modern aircraft are built with redundant safety systems and are capable of flying safely even with one engine inoperative. However, returning for inspection is always the recommended action in case of any suspected fire-related warning.
Background: Air India’s Fleet & Safety Standards
Air India, now part of the Tata Group, has been modernizing its fleet and investing heavily in safety and operational excellence. The airline operates a mix of Airbus and Boeing aircraft on domestic and international routes.
The airline has also been working closely with regulators and global aviation bodies to ensure strict compliance with international air safety standards.
What’s Next
Once the engineering inspection is complete, a technical report will be submitted to the DGCA. The aircraft will only be cleared for operations after passing all safety checks. Meanwhile, Air India is ensuring minimal inconvenience to passengers with quick rebookings and alternative arrangements.
For passengers scheduled to fly on similar routes, no changes or cancellations have been announced, and operations continue as per schedule.
Key Takeaways
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Flight Number | AI2913 |
| Route | Delhi → Indore |
| Incident | Engine fire indication after takeoff |
| Action Taken | Aircraft returned to Delhi, passengers transferred to alternative aircraft |
| Passengers’ Safety | All safe, no injuries |
| Current Status | Replacement flight completed the journey; original aircraft grounded for inspection |