Engine Failure Forces SpiceJet Leh Flight to Return to Delhi in Emergency Landing

India: A SpiceJet Boeing 737 operating flight SG-121 from Delhi to Leh declared a full emergency and returned safely to Indira Gandhi International Airport shortly after takeoff on Tuesday morning following a reported engine malfunction.

The aircraft, carrying approximately 150 passengers, departed at around 6:08 AM but turned back within minutes after the crew detected an issue with engine number 2. Airport authorities activated full emergency protocols, placing firefighting and rescue teams on standby as a precautionary measure.

The plane landed safely at approximately 6:45 AM, with no injuries reported. All passengers were disembarked normally, according to a SpiceJet spokesperson, who described the incident as a “technical issue” and emphasized that there was no fire warning in the cockpit.

Sources cited by news agencies, confirmed the return was prompted by the failure of engine number 2, preventing the flight from continuing to its high-altitude destination in Leh.

SpiceJet stated the aircraft returned as a safety precaution, and operations were handled in line with standard protocols. Passengers reportedly faced delays and limited communication from the airline while awaiting further arrangements at the airport.

All individuals on board are reported safe, and no further disruptions were noted at Delhi Airport following the safe landing.