A SpiceJet Boeing 737 en route to Leh (flight SG121) returned to Delhi Airport within 45 minutes of takeoff today after passengers spotted sparks and flames from a suspected engine malfunction, prompting a full emergency declaration—but all 150 aboard landed safely.
The aircraft departed at 6:08 AM amid winter highs to the high-altitude Ladakh destination, but crew detected issues in Engine 2 during climb, turning back by 6:49 AM. No cockpit fire warnings activated, and pilots executed a textbook return with ground crews on standby, per airline statements.
SpiceJet confirmed: “Technical issue resolved; passengers disembarked normally.” No injuries reported, though the incident reignites scrutiny on low-cost carrier maintenance amid India’s aviation boom.
Safety Protocols Shine
Delhi Airport’s rapid response—fire tenders, ambulances—exemplifies robust protocols for such returns, common on thin-air routes like Leh. Passengers received accommodations and rerouting options.
For frequent flyers to Jammu & Kashmir tourism hubs, this underscores single-engine reliability on turboprops/Boeings. Aviation authorities probe underway; SpiceJet’s track record includes prior bird-hits/bird strikes.
