Air India Express flight lands safely in Indore after mid-air engine issue

An Air India Express flight from Delhi to Indore with 161 passengers on board landed safely on Friday (September 5) morning after the crew reported a suspected engine fault during descent. The pilots issued a ‘PAN-PAN’ call to Air Traffic Control - an internationally recognised signal for urgent but non-life-threatening situations before completing a precautionary landing at Devi Ahilyabai Holkar Airport, Indore.

Flight IX 1028, operated by a Boeing 737 Max aircraft, touched down at 9.55 AM, about 20 minutes behind schedule. Airport authorities confirmed that all passengers and crew were safe, with no injuries reported.

What was the issue?

Airline officials said the crew noticed a suspected oil filter issue as the aircraft approached Indore. Before landing, the pilots notified ATC and performed the required safety checks in accordance with established protocol.

“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,” an Air India Express spokesperson said.

What is a ‘PAN-PAN’ call?

The ‘PAN-PAN’ signal is internationally recognised in aviation and maritime operations. It is issued when there is an urgent need for help but no immediate threat to life. In contrast to the "Mayday" distress call, "PAN-PAN" signals a precautionary emergency so that ground services can get ready to assist.

Friday’s incident adds to a string of technical snags reported by Indian carriers in recent months. In August, an IndiGo flight from Delhi to Goa diverted to Mumbai following an engine-related issue. Before that, on July 19, another Air India Express service to Phuket returned to Hyderabad soon after take-off due to a technical problem.

Air India Express, a subsidiary of Air India, operates a fleet of Boeing 737 Max aircraft on both domestic and international routes. The airline has reiterated that passenger safety remains its top priority.