Indore: An Air India Express flight from Delhi to Indore carrying 161 passengers encountered an engine issue during its descent on Friday, prompting the pilot to issue a ‘PAN-PAN’ call for a non-life-threatening emergency. The aircraft, however, landed safely at Devi Ahilyabai Holkar Airport, officials said.
The flight, IX 1028, touched down at 9:55 am, about 20 minutes behind schedule, after a suspected oil filter problem was detected mid-air. All passengers and crew were reported safe.
“Upon receiving information about a technical fault in one of the plane’s engines, we took all necessary precautions. The aircraft landed safely at Indore airport at 9:55 am; it was originally scheduled to arrive at 9:35 am,” said Devi Ahilyabai Holkar Airport Director Vipinkant Seth.
Seth added that the pilot’s ‘PAN-PAN’ signal to Air Traffic Control (ATC) triggered standard safety protocols, including the deployment of fire and medical teams at the airport.
An Air India Express spokesperson confirmed the incident, stating, “A suspected oil filter issue during descent prompted the crew to follow standard operating procedures, ensuring a safe landing. Our pilots are trained to handle such situations effectively.”
In aviation, the internationally recognized ‘PAN-PAN’ signal indicates an urgent situation that requires assistance but is not immediately life-threatening. It alerts ATC or ground services that the crew needs prompt support.
