On July 23, 2025, an IndiGo flight carrying 60 passengers from Ahmedabad to Diu aborted takeoff at Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport when one of its engines caught fire during the takeoff roll. Thanks to the quick response of the flight crew, a Mayday call was issued immediately, and the aircraft was evacuated safely before it could leave the ground.

IndiGo confirmed the incident was caused by a technical malfunction and that the plane would undergo thorough maintenance before returning to service. The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has launched a formal inquiry as this incident forms part of a recent rise in technical issues in India’s aviation sector.

Engine Fire During Takeoff Prompts Emergency Response

The flight in question, IndiGo 6E7966, was due to depart Ahmedabad for Diu shortly before 11 am. As the ATR 72-600 aircraft accelerated for takeoff, the pilot noticed smoke and flames emitting from the right engine. Following established safety protocols, the pilot aborted the takeoff and alerted airport emergency services via a Mayday call. Firefighters and ground personnel quickly responded, while the aircraft was shepherded back to the bay.

Passengers were safely evacuated using emergency slides, and no injuries were reported, though some passengers understandably experienced anxiety due to the sudden emergency. An IndiGo spokesperson highlighted the professionalism and composure of the flight crew, noting that their swift action contributed to avoiding any casualties or damage beyond the engine itself.

Context: A Pattern of Technical Challenges Raises Concerns

This engine fire incident adds to a series of recent technical problems faced by IndiGo and other Indian carriers. Just last week, an IndiGo flight from Goa to Indore had to make an emergency landing when its landing gear malfunctioned. Additionally, other airlines such as Air India Express and Vistara have also reported technical failures, underscoring maintenance and operational concerns at a time when India’s aviation market is rapidly expanding.

Industry experts note that such technical snags, especially those occurring during critical phases like takeoff, are serious and underline the need for stringent maintenance checks and regulatory oversight. In light of a tragic Air India Dreamliner crash earlier this year, which resulted in renewed scrutiny of safety protocols, DGCA officials emphasise that investigations will closely examine causes and recommend preventive measures to safeguard passengers.

The Logical Indian’s Perspective

The Logical Indian recognises the exemplary efforts of the IndiGo flight crew and ground personnel whose quick thinking and preparedness averted a potential disaster. This incident reinforces why rigorous adherence to safety procedures and emergency drills is non-negotiable in aviation. Passenger safety must always remain paramount over operational schedules or convenience.

However, these repeated technical failures spotlight the critical need for more robust maintenance regimes, transparent reporting, and regulatory vigilance in India’s booming civil aviation sector. As the country moves towards becoming one of the world’s largest aviation markets, cultivating a culture of safety, empathy, and clear communication from carriers will be vital to maintaining public confidence. Passengers, airlines, and regulators must collaborate transparently to foster resilience during emergencies and reduce passenger distress.