Kochi: An IndiGo flight bound for Abu Dhabi was forced to return to Kochi early Saturday morning after encountering a technical problem mid-flight, according to sources cited by PTI. The aircraft, carrying over 180 passengers and six crew members, had been airborne for more than two hours before the issue prompted the crew to divert back to Cochin International Airport.
The flight, designated 6E-1403 (COK-AUH), took off from Kochi at 11:10 p.m. on Friday. It safely landed back in the city at approximately 1:44 a.m. on Saturday, sources told PTI. No immediate statement was provided by IndiGo regarding the incident. To ensure passenger safety and compliance with flight duty time regulations, the airline arranged a replacement aircraft with a fresh crew. The substitute flight departed for Abu Dhabi at around 3:30 a.m., allowing passengers to continue their journey with minimal disruption.
Data from the flight tracking website Flightradar24.com indicates that the affected flight was operated using an Airbus A320 neo aircraft. The swift response by IndiGo and the airport authorities ensured that all passengers reached their destination safely. Sources emphasized that the decision to return to Kochi was made in adherence to strict safety protocols, and a new crew was assigned due to the original crew exceeding their permitted duty hours.
While IndiGo has not yet released an official comment, the incident underscores the airline’s commitment to prioritizing passenger safety. Kochi International Airport’s efficient handling of the situation further facilitated a smooth resolution. The cause of the technical snag remains undisclosed, but the successful management of the event highlights the importance of rigorous safety measures in aviation.