Abhijeet Singh. Gorakhpur1 hour ago
Indigo flight taking off- File photo
A major aviation incident was narrowly avoided at Gorakhpur Airport on 19 August when the rear section of an IndiGo aircraft carrying 178 people, including crew members, struck the runway during landing.
The pilot immediately initiated a go-around and took the aircraft back into the air. After receiving clearance from Air Traffic Control (ATC), the flight landed safely a short while later.
The Delhi-Gorakhpur flight, 6E 2381, was carrying 178 passengers and crew members. During a routine post-landing inspection, scratches were found near the Auxiliary Power Unit (APU) at the rear of the aircraft.
The aircraft has been temporarily taken out of service and is undergoing technical inspection and repairs. Airport authorities said it will be cleared for operations only after receiving the required technical approval.
An IndiGo spokesperson said,
The decision to initiate the go-around was taken purely as a safety precaution. The safety of passengers, crew and the flight remains our highest priority.
IndiGo flight delayed by over five hours after aircraft incident
The incident also affected IndiGo flight 6E-5013, scheduled to operate from Gorakhpur to Delhi. The flight departed around 5 hours and 30 minutes behind schedule, leaving passengers waiting at the airport and disrupting some connecting flights and other planned engagements.
IndiGo arranged an alternative aircraft, VT-IBC, to operate the service. Passengers were provided breakfast and meals during the delay, while those needing to travel urgently were offered alternative flight options. Other passengers were provided refunds as per the applicable rules.
