Bengaluru : Close Call ! Declared Mayday”On Thursday evening, an Indigo flight from Guwahathi to Chennai, carrying 168 passengers, faced a heart-stopping crisis shortly after its 4:40 PM takeoff. The pilot, noticing critically low fuel levels, swiftly declared a “Mayday” distress call to Air Traffic Control (ATC).
With the situation dire, the aircraft was diverted for an emergency landing at Bengaluru International Airport. ATC officials sprang into action, halting non-essential operations to prioritize the stricken flight.
Emergency teams, including medical and fire services, were mobilized as the plane descended. At 8:20 PM, the aircraft touched down safely, averting disaster. Passengers, gripped by fear during the ordeal, emerged unharmed but shaken.
Authorities have launched an investigation to determine how the fuel oversight occurred. The term #Mayday derived from the French m’aider (help me), signals extreme danger in aviation. Coined in 1920 by radio officer Frederick Stanley Mockford, it became standard in 1927.
Pilots issue the call thrice, providing critical details like location and passenger count, enabling ATC to orchestrate rescue efforts. This incident underscores the vital role of swift response and the enduring significance of the “Mayday” call in aviation safety.
