Air India Express Delhi-Indore flight faces mid-air engine fault, lands safely after pilot’s PAN-PAN call
‘PAN-PAN’ is used to convey an urgent technical issue requiring ground or ATC assistance
PTC Web Desk: An Air India Express flight from Delhi to Indore carrying 161 passengers experienced a mid-air engine fault on Friday morning, prompting the pilot to issue a ‘PAN-PAN’ emergency call. The alert, which signals a non-life-threatening but urgent situation, led the authorities at Devi Ahilyabai Holkar Airport in Indore to activate emergency protocols.
According to airport director Vipinkant Seth, the flight (IX 1028) was scheduled to land at 9.35 am but touched down safely at 9.55 am after the precautionary measures were implemented. Fire and medical teams were on standby as per standard operating procedures. “All 161 passengers and the crew are completely safe,” he confirmed.
A ‘PAN-PAN’ call is an internationally recognised signal in aviation and maritime communication. Unlike a ‘Mayday’ distress call, which indicates an immediate danger to life, ‘PAN-PAN’ is used to convey an urgent technical issue requiring ground or ATC assistance. The incident caused a minor 20-minute delay, but the aircraft landed safely without further complications.