An IndiGo flight from Delhi to Kochi was grounded for over three hours on Sunday morning after a technical glitch forced three aborted takeoffs, leaving passengers stranded at Indira Gandhi International Airport. The flight, originally scheduled to depart at 5 a.m., was repeatedly taxied to the runway before the crew returned to the bay each time due to the unresolved issue. IndiGo confirmed the problem was a technical snag and, following strict safety protocols, disembarked all passengers while engineers conducted inspections. The incident disrupted travel plans for dozens, many of whom were returning home to Kerala or connecting to international destinations from Kochi.

Passengers described a tense wait inside the aircraft during the failed attempts, with some expressing frustration over the lack of immediate clarity. “We were on the runway, ready to go, then suddenly turned back—three times,” said one traveller on condition of anonymity. However, the airline provided timely updates via announcements and SMS and distributed refreshments, including millet snacks, biscuits, and juice. “They kept us informed and fed, which helped, but the delay was stressful,” the passenger added. The grounding occurred during peak early-morning operations at Delhi’s Terminal 3, one of Asia’s busiest hubs.

After thorough checks, IndiGo declared the original aircraft unfit for service and arranged an alternate plane. The replacement flight finally departed at 8:45 a.m. and landed safely at Cochin International Airport at 12:20 p.m.—a delay of over seven hours. An airline spokesperson reiterated, “We have zero tolerance for safety,” emphasising that grounding the aircraft was a non-negotiable decision despite operational pressure. The carrier issued a formal apology and offered compensation in line with Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) guidelines for delays exceeding three hours.

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This is not an isolated case for IndiGo, which has faced scrutiny over a series of technical delays in 2025, including engine issues on its A320neo fleet powered by Pratt & Whitney engines. DGCA data shows a 12% rise in such incidents across Indian carriers this year, attributed partly to supply chain disruptions and ageing components. Aviation analysts note that while safety-first responses are mandatory, repeated groundings erode passenger confidence and strain airport resources.

The episode has reignited calls for stronger maintenance oversight and faster contingency planning. Passenger forums and social media platforms saw complaints tagging both IndiGo and the Ministry of Civil Aviation, with some demanding real-time transparency via live flight tracking. As India’s domestic air traffic surges past 150 million annual passengers, incidents like this highlight the growing pains of rapid fleet expansion amid global parts shortages.

IndiGo, commanding over 60% of the domestic market, has pledged enhanced pre-flight checks and crew training in response to regulatory directives. For now, the airline’s swift arrangement of an alternate aircraft and proactive communication have mitigated some backlash—but the event serves as a reminder that in aviation, safety delays, though necessary, come at a human cost.

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