AI Express Flight from Bengaluru had Emergency Landing due to Engine Fire

AI Express flight from Bengaluru had emergency landing due to engine fire.

An emergency landing was made by an AI Express Flight from Bengaluru to Kochi at Bengaluru airport after a fire was detected in one of the engines, as reported by Bangalore International Airport Limited on Sunday. All passengers and crew were safely evacuated with no injuries, confirmed by Air India Express in a statement.

Sources indicated that the fire was observed shortly after takeoff, prompting the crew to alert the Air Traffic Controller and declare a full-scale emergency. Following the emergency landing at Kempegowda International Airport (KIA) in Bengaluru, the fire was successfully extinguished.

“On May 18, 2024, AI Express Flight IX 1132 traveling from Bengaluru to Kochi was forced to make an emergency landing at BLR Airport at 2312 hrs due to a reported fire in one of the engines,” announced a representative of Bangalore International Airport Limited (BIAL), which oversees KIA.

A full-scale emergency response was initiated, and the fire was quickly extinguished upon landing. All 179 passengers and six crew members were safely evacuated from the aircraft, according to the BIAL spokesperson.

An Air India Express spokesperson stated that the Bengaluru-Kochi flight decided to return to Bengaluru and perform a precautionary landing after suspected flames were observed from the right engine shortly after takeoff. Ground services also confirmed the presence of flames, leading to the evacuation protocol being enacted.

The crew successfully conducted an evacuation without any guest injuries. We apologize for any inconvenience this may have caused and are currently working on making alternative travel arrangements for our guests to reach their destination promptly. A comprehensive investigation with the regulator will be conducted to determine the cause of the incident.