Tension gripped Delhi’s Indira Gandhi International (IGI) Airport early Tuesday morning as a “full emergency” was declared for a SpiceJet flight bound for Leh. The aircraft, a Boeing 737 operating as SG121, was forced to perform an “Air Return” just minutes into its journey after the flight crew reported a critical failure in one of the engines.
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Emergency services, including fire tenders and ambulances, were stationed along the runway as the aircraft made its approach. Despite the high-stakes situation, the pilot successfully touched down at 6:45 AM, bringing a swift end to the 15-minute ordeal.
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Chronology of the Emergency
The flight was scheduled for an early morning departure to the high-altitude airport in Leh.
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6:30 AM: The flight crew notified Air Traffic Control (ATC) of a failure in Engine Number 2. A “Full Emergency” was immediately declared, giving the aircraft priority landing rights.
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6:45 AM: The aircraft landed safely on the designated runway without further incident.
Passenger Safety and Disembarkation
SpiceJet has confirmed that all 150 passengers on board are safe. A spokesperson for the airline clarified that the decision to return was a precautionary measure following a “technical issue.” Crucially, the airline noted that there was no fire warning in the cockpit, which helped prevent panic during the descent. Passengers were moved to the terminal via shuttle buses, and alternative travel arrangements are currently being organized for the Leh-bound travelers.
Broader Aviation Context: Sunday’s IndiGo Diversion
This incident follows a separate aviation disruption on Sunday, February 22. An IndiGo flight (6E-6457) from Ahmedabad to Dibrugarh was diverted to Imphal due to a severe dust storm in Assam. Visibility at the Dibrugarh airport dropped below safe thresholds, forcing the crew to re-route to Manipur. These back-to-back incidents highlight the ongoing operational challenges faced by domestic carriers due to both technical and environmental factors in early 2026.
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Reality Check
Engine failures on modern twin-engine jets like the Boeing 737 are serious but manageable. These aircraft are designed to fly and land safely on a single engine. Still, for a flight heading to Leh—which requires high-thrust performance for mountain navigation—an engine failure is particularly critical. Therefore, while the “full emergency” sounds dire, it is a standard safety protocol to ensure the highest level of ground support is ready. In fact, SpiceJet’s quick return likely prevented a much more complicated situation over the Himalayas.
The Loopholes
The spokesperson mentioned “no fire warning.” In fact, an engine failure can occur without fire, but it still represents a total loss of power in that unit. Therefore, the “no fire” claim is a strategic communication loophole to minimize public fear while downplaying the mechanical severity of the “Engine Number 2 failure.” Still, the “Air Return” protocol ensured that the investigation began while the engine was still in its post-failure state, which is vital for the DGCA (Directorate General of Civil Aviation) probe.
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What This Means for You
If you are a regular flyer on the Delhi-Leh sector, realize that morning flights are prone to high-altitude turbulence and mechanical stress. First, check your flight status via the SpiceJet app if you are booked on subsequent legs of this aircraft’s schedule, as it will likely be grounded for inspection. Then, if your flight is delayed or cancelled due to a “full emergency,” understand that you are entitled to a full refund or an alternative flight under DGCA Charter of Patient Rights.
Finally, understand that winter/spring weather in the North and Northeast (like the Dibrugarh dust storm) remains unpredictable. You should always carry a “delay kit” with essentials and chargers in your carry-on. Before heading to the airport for mountain destinations, verify the visibility and weather reports at the destination, as diversions to cities like Imphal or Srinagar can add 5–8 hours to your journey.
What’s Next
The DGCA is expected to launch a formal investigation into the engine failure of SG121 by later this evening. Then, the engine will be dismantled for a “root cause analysis” to see if it was a bird strike or an internal mechanical fatigue. Finally, look for SpiceJet to issue an updated schedule for the 150 stranded passengers by Tuesday afternoon.
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