A SpiceJet flight (SG041) scheduled to depart from Delhi’s Indira Gandhi International Airport to Kathmandu faced a significant disruption when another aircraft on the ground reported a suspected tailpipe fire. The incident, involving a Boeing 737-8 aircraft, prompted the pilots to return to the bay as a precautionary measure, despite no warnings or indications appearing in the cockpit, according to a statement from SpiceJet. The flight, originally set for a morning departure, was delayed by more than four hours, causing inconvenience to passengers, though specific details about the number of passengers onboard remain undisclosed.

SpiceJet swiftly responded by grounding the aircraft for thorough engineering inspections. The airline reported that detailed checks revealed no abnormalities, and the Boeing 737-8 was subsequently cleared for operations. The aircraft was expected to resume its journey to Kathmandu shortly after the clearance. A tailpipe fire, as explained by aviation safety resource SKYbrary, is an internal fire occurring within the engine’s exhaust system, typically during engine start-up or shutdown on the ground. Such incidents, while visually alarming, are generally manageable when the aircraft is stationary and rarely pose significant risks once addressed.

The suspected fire was first noticed by ground crew or another aircraft, highlighting the importance of vigilance in airport operations. SpiceJet’s decision to return the aircraft to the bay aligns with standard safety protocols, prioritizing passenger and crew safety. The absence of cockpit alerts suggests the issue may have been external or transient, possibly caused by excess fuel ignition in the engine’s exhaust during start-up, a known phenomenon in jet engines. The airline’s prompt action and rigorous checks underscore its commitment to safety, especially given past incidents, such as a SpiceJet Dash 8-Q400 engine fire during maintenance at the same airport on July 25, 2023, which also resulted in no injuries.

Also Read: Vishal Mega Mart in Flames Again: Ambala Outlet Ablaze

This incident adds to SpiceJet’s history of operational challenges, though the airline has maintained that safety remains paramount. The successful resolution of the event, with no reported damage or injuries, reflects effective coordination between the flight crew, ground staff, and maintenance teams. However, the delay likely disrupted travel plans, raising questions about passenger accommodations, which SpiceJet has not yet detailed. Reports indicate passengers were rerouted to alternate flights in similar incidents, suggesting similar measures may have been taken.

The event, reported widely by outlets like The Economic Times and Hindustan Times, underscores the complexities of aviation safety and the critical role of precautionary measures in preventing potential hazards. As air travel demand grows, such incidents highlight the need for robust safety protocols and transparent communication with passengers. SpiceJet’s clearance of the aircraft for operations reaffirms its operational readiness, but the incident serves as a reminder of the unpredictable nature of aviation challenges.

Also Read: Chaos in Serbia: Tear Gas, Protests, and a President Under Fire