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IndiGo Delhi-Goa flight makes emergency landing in Mumbai after pilot issues ‘PAN-PAN-PAN’ distress call, signaling urgent but non-life-threatening situation.
PAN PAN PAN”: IndiGo Pilot’s Pre‑Landing Alert and What It Means
On the night of July 16, 2025, flight 6E 6271, an Airbus A320neo en route from Delhi to Goa, diverted unexpectedly to Mumbai’s Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport. Around 9:27 PM IST, approximately 100 nautical miles northeast of Bhubaneswar, the pilot made the internationally recognised urgency call – “PAN PAN PAN” – signalling a serious but non‑life‑threatening technical issue. The aircraft landed safely at 9:53 PM with 191 passengers and crew, and no injuries were reported.
What the “PAN PAN PAN” Call Means
A Step Below Mayday
In aviation parlance, “PAN PAN” originates from the French word panne, meaning “breakdown.” Issued as “PAN PAN PAN”, the call indicates an in‑flight situation requiring urgent attention, but without immediate danger to lives or the aircraft. It ranks just below the Mayday distress call, which is reserved for life‑threatening emergencies such as total engine failure, onboard fire, or structural damage.
When Is It Used?
Pilots use PAN for issues like partial engine malfunction, medical emergencies, fuel concerns, or minor system failures. The repetition of the call thrice ensures immediate recognition and prioritisation by air traffic control.
What Happened on Flight 6E 6271
Mid-Air Engine Snag
Flight 6E 6271 took off from Delhi’s Indira Gandhi International Airport at around 8:02 PM IST, bound for Goa’s Manohar International Airport. Roughly 100 nautical miles north of Bhubaneswar, the crew detected a problem with engine number one.
Instead of issuing a Mayday, the pilot declared “PAN PAN PAN” at about 9:27 PM, prompting a diversion to Mumbai. In line with standard operating procedures, Mumbai authorities declared a full emergency, stationing ambulances and fire tenders along the taxiway to the aircraft bay.
Safe Diversion & Landing
Thanks to the A320neo’s twin-engine design and crew professionalism, the aircraft diverted successfully and landed safely at 9:53 PM IST. The emergency was downgraded around 9:57 PM once the aircraft was securely parked.
An IndiGo spokesperson confirmed the incident, calling it “a technical snag” that was promptly managed. Passengers faced no injuries, and an alternate flight was quickly organised to complete the Delhi–Goa leg.
Aviation Safety: Managing Urgency Without Panic
Staying Calm With Protocols
The Pan call underscores aviation’s layered approach to emergency management. By instantly alerting air traffic control, the crew ensured that priority landing, safety vehicles, and airfield clearance were activated—without triggering full-scale alarm or panic amongst crew or passengers.
- Timely response: Enables ground teams to mobilise swiftly for precaution.
- Reduces disruption: Avoids unnecessary chaos or panic inflight.
- International standard: Used globally, understood across all control centres.
- Recognises severity: Indicates serious, but non‑critical, nature of trouble.
Col. Rajgopalan of Aviation Training India notes:
“PAN PAN is a step below Mayday. It allows pilots to alert air traffic control of serious, but manageable issues during flight.”
A Snapshot of the Timeline
| Time (IST) | Event |
|---|---|
| ~8:02 PM | Flight 6E 6271 departs Delhi for Goa |
| ~9:27 PM | Engine issue detected (~100 nm north of Bhubaneswar); PAN PAN PAN issued |
| ~9:32 PM | Diversion cleared; Mumbai declares full emergency |
| ~9:53 PM | Safe landing at Mumbai (no injuries) |
| ~9:57 PM | Emergency lifted; passengers disembark, alternate flight arranged |
Why PAN Calls Keep You Safe
- Clear communication: Receivers know it’s urgent but controlled.
- Immediate priority: Airspace and runway given priority clearance.
- Prepared ground response: Fire and medical teams stand by as precaution.
- No alarm: Passengers are not alerted unnecessarily.
Flight 6E 6271’s safe outcome illustrates how aviation’s multi-tiered emergency protocols function in real time. The pilot’s clear-headed use of “PAN PAN PAN” initiated a calm, coordinated emergency response—reflecting the industry’s commitment to handling technical snags swiftly, but without inducing panic.
For passengers, it’s a reassuring reminder: behind the scenes, strict procedures and trained professionals work together to keep you safe—whether it’s a minor glitch or a serious crisis.
