SpiceJet flight returns to Hyderabad after a mid-air technical snag forced pilots to make a swift safety decision. Shortly after takeoff, the plane headed for Tirupati experienced an unforeseen failure, necessitating an emergency return to Rajiv Gandhi International Airport in Hyderabad.
Even though all passengers made a safe landing, the event has raised new concerns about aviation safety standards and rekindled worries about a rising trend of technical issues affecting local airlines in India.
Technical Snag Forces Return
Flight SG 2696, operated by SpiceJet, was headed from Hyderabad to Tirupati when it encountered trouble shortly after takeoff. The plane was supposed to land in Tirupati at 7:40 am, having left Hyderabad at 6:19 am. But the pilots were forced to return due to an unforeseen problem with the aircraft’s systems. At Rajiv Gandhi International Airport in Hyderabad, the plane made a safe landing.
SpiceJet issued a statement explaining that an “intermittent illumination of the AFT baggage door light” triggered the decision. The airline clarified, “Cabin pressurisation remained normal throughout. As a precautionary measure, the pilots decided to return to Hyderabad. The aircraft landed safely, and passengers were deplaned normally. The aircraft did not make an emergency landing.”
The airline promptly arranged an alternate aircraft to carry passengers to Tirupati. Although no emergency landing occurred, the swift return was a precautionary step to avoid any potential risk.
SpiceJet Responds as Concerns Rise
The incident adds to a growing list of recent flight disruptions due to technical snags across India’s domestic aviation sector. On the same day, an IndiGo flight from Delhi to Leh returned to the capital after remaining airborne for over two hours due to technical difficulties.
SpiceJet emphasised that safety remains its top priority, and its pilots followed all protocols. “The safety of our passengers and crew is paramount. Our crew acted according to established safety procedures,” the airline stated.
Such repeated technical snags have drawn attention to the increasing frequency of precautionary landings among Indian carriers. While no injuries were reported in this case, the aviation community continues to monitor these occurrences closely. Authorities have yet to announce any formal investigations following the incident.
