An IndiGo flight from Kolkata to Srinagar made an emergency landing at Lal Bahadur Shastri International Airport, Varanasi, on Wednesday morning after a suspected fuel leak was detected mid-air, officials confirmed.
All 166 passengers and crew members were safely evacuated, and no injuries were reported, police said. Airport authorities immediately began an investigation, while operations at the airport have since returned to normal.
Technical Glitch Leads to Precautionary Landing
According to airline officials, the IndiGo flight 6E 6961 operating the Kolkata–Srinagar route reported a possible technical issue related to fuel pressure. The pilot decided to make a precautionary landing in Varanasi around 9:30 AM, following standard safety procedures.
“As a safety measure, the aircraft has been grounded for necessary checks, and an alternate aircraft has been arranged to continue the journey,”
said an IndiGo spokesperson.
The airline emphasized that passenger safety remains the top priority and thanked travelers for their cooperation during the delay.
Police, Airport Officials Confirm Situation Under Control
Varanasi police officials stated that emergency response teams were on standby as the flight landed safely.
“The situation is under control. Normal flight operations have resumed at the airport,”
a senior airport security officer told reporters.
A team from the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) is expected to inspect the aircraft to determine the cause of the fuel leak.
At a Glance: IndiGo Flight 6E 6961 Emergency Landing
| Parameter | Details |
|---|---|
| Flight Number | 6E 6961 |
| Route | Kolkata → Srinagar |
| Emergency Landing | Lal Bahadur Shastri Int’l Airport, Varanasi |
| Reason | Suspected fuel leak / technical issue |
| Passengers Onboard | 166 (including crew) |
| Casualties/Injuries | None reported |
| Current Status | Aircraft grounded for inspection; alternate flight arranged |
IndiGo Statement
“At IndiGo, the safety of our passengers, crew, and aircraft is our top priority. We appreciate our customers’ patience and cooperation as our teams work to minimize any inconvenience.”
— IndiGo Spokesperson
