Air India Express makes PAN-PAN call as flight lands safely in Indore after mid-air engine glitch

The aircraft, operating as flight IX 1028, landed at the Devi Ahilyabai Holkar Airport at 9.55 am, around 20 minutes behind schedule. Airport authorities confirmed that all passengers and crew members were unharmed.

“After receiving information about a technical fault in one of the engines of the Air India Express plane coming from Delhi to Indore, we took all precautions and the aircraft landed at Indore airport at 9.55 am. As per the schedule, it was supposed to land at the Indore airport at 9.35 am,” Airport Director Vipinkant Seth said, according to PTI.

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Officials said the pilot had issued a ‘PAN-PAN’ call to Air Traffic Control (ATC), prompting emergency services at the airport to be placed on alert in line with standard operating procedures. Fire and medical teams were kept ready until the aircraft completed its landing.

What is a PAN-PAN call

The ‘PAN-PAN’ signal (pronounced pahn-pahn), derived from the French word panne meaning “breakdown” is an internationally recognised code in aviation that indicates an urgent situation requiring assistance, but one that does not immediately endanger lives, unlike the more severe ‘Mayday’ distress call.

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Seth added that safety protocols were swiftly activated and the situation was managed without incident. “The crew of this plane with flight number IX 1028 and all 161 passengers on board are completely safe,” he said.

Authorities said the aircraft will undergo technical checks before being cleared for further operations.

An Air India Express spokesperson told CNBC-TV18, “Due to a suspected oil filter issue during descent into Indore, following standard operating procedures, the crew landed safely. Our pilots are well trained to carry out such precautionary measures. There was a 16 minute delay on departure from Delhi.