Mid-air scare: AI Express’ Delhi-Indore flight issues PAN-PAN call over engine fault; lands safely

NEW DELHI: An Air India Express’ Delhi-Indore flight on Friday had a mid-air scare after it suffered an engine fault. The pilot issued a ‘PAN-PAN’ alert to sign a non-critical emergency, however the plane ultimately landed safely on the airport with a 20-minute delay.“After receiving information about a technical fault in one of the engines of the Air India Express plane coming from Delhi to Indore, we took all precautions and the aircraft landed at Indore airport at 9.55 am. As per the schedule, it was supposed to land at the Indore airport at 9.35am,” PTI quoted Devi Ahilyabai Holkar Airport director Vipinkant Seth saying.Seth mentioned the pilot of the plane issued a ‘PAN-PAN’ alert to Air Traffic Control (ATC), prompting authorities to activate hearth and medical preparations on the airport consistent with commonplace working procedures. ‘PAN-PAN’ is an internationally acknowledged misery sign in aviation and maritime communication. Unlike a ‘Mayday’ call, it denotes a scenario that’s pressing however not life-threatening, indicating the crew requires speedy help from ATC or floor companies.He additional knowledgeable that the crew of flight IX 1028 and all 161 passengers have been secure.