A flight from the UAE to India has had to land after catching fire mid-air, India’s Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) said.
The Air India Express flight from Abu Dhabi to Calicut was carrying 184 passengers when the pilot detected flames in one of the engines, the ANI news service reports.
The B737-800 plane was flying from the UAE to India when the problem was detected and the pilot returned to ground safely. Air India Express said that all passengers were safe and the issue has been reported to aviation authorities.
UAE-India flight grounded after fire
India’s DGCA said: “Today an Air India Express B737-800 aircraft VT-AYC operating flight IX 348 (Abu Dhabi-Calicut) was involved in Airturnback due to the No. 1 engine flameout at 1,000 ft during the climb”.
Air India Express spokesperson said the issue occurred shortly after taking off.
In a statement to the media it said: “The technical snag was identified while taking off and the aircraft landed back safely, following all laid down procedures in Abu Dhabi International Airport with the 184 passengers onboard.
“This event has been reported to the regulatory authorities as per protocol, and alternate arrangements are being made for the guests. We regret the inconvenience caused to our guests on board”.
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