According to sources, the fire was noticed a few minutes after takeoff. The crew members alerted the air traffic controller and a general emergency was declared.
Soon after the emergency landing at Bangalore’s Kempegowda International Airport (KIA), the fire was extinguished.
“On May 18, 2024, aircraft IX 1132 from Bangalore to Kochi made an emergency landing at BLR Airport at 11:12 p.m., due to a reported fire in one of the engines” , said a spokesperson for BIAL, which manages KIA, in a statement. .
A full-scale emergency was declared and the fire was quickly extinguished upon landing. All 179 passengers and six crew members were successfully evacuated from the aircraft, Bangalore International Airport Limited (BIAL) spokesperson said.
An Air India Express spokesperson said that due to suspected fires coming from the right engine after takeoff, the Bangalore-Kochi flight “elected” to return and made a precautionary landing in Bangalore. Ground services also reported flames, prompting an evacuation.
“The crew carried out an evacuation without harm to any guests. We regret the inconvenience this has caused and are working to provide alternative arrangements for our guests to reach their destination as quickly as possible,” he said. noted. “A thorough investigation with the regulator will be carried out to establish the cause,” he said.
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