IndiGo Kochi-Abu Dhabi flight returns midway after technical snag, passengers flown on alternate aircraft
PTC Web Desk: An Abu Dhabi-bound IndiGo flight had to return to Kochi early Saturday morning after developing a technical snag while in the air for over two hours, the airline confirmed.
The flight, 6E-1403 (COK–AUH), took off from Cochin International Airport at 11.10 pm on Friday but turned back and landed safely at 1.44 am on Saturday, according to airline officials and flight tracking data. The aircraft, an Airbus A320neo, was carrying more than 180 passengers along with six crew members.
IndiGo said the pilots noticed a technical issue mid-air and, as a precautionary measure, decided to return to Kochi. “The aircraft landed safely and is undergoing necessary maintenance checks before resuming operations,” the airline stated.
To minimise inconvenience, IndiGo arranged an alternate aircraft which departed for Abu Dhabi at around 3.30 am. Since the original crew had exceeded their flight duty time limits, a fresh set of crew members operated the onward flight. Passengers were provided with meals and refreshments while waiting at the airport.
The airline expressed regret for the disruption and assured that customer safety was its highest priority. “We sincerely regret the inconvenience caused and appreciate our passengers’ cooperation,” an IndiGo spokesperson said.
- With inputs from agencies
