A Pune-bound IndiGo flight from Delhi experienced a significant delay of four-and-a-half hours on July 4 due to the pilot falling sick just before takeoff. The airline provided medical assistance to the unwell pilot and arranged for an alternative crew to operate the flight, resulting in the delay. The flight, 6E2262, was initially scheduled to depart from Delhi Airport at 6 am but took off at 10:27 am due to the incident.
According to IndiGo, the aircraft returned to the bay following standard operating procedures after the pilot felt unwell. The airline stated that it provided “appropriate” medical assistance to the pilot and assigned a new crew to operate the flight. However, IndiGo did not disclose specific details about the pilot’s condition or the circumstances surrounding the incident.
Flight tracking website flightradar24.com reported that the flight was delayed by 4 hours and 30 minutes, with the aircraft eventually departing from Delhi Airport at 10:27 am. IndiGo attributed the delay to the pilot’s illness and temporary restrictions at Pune Airport. The airline’s statement said, “Additionally, the flight was further delayed due to temporary restrictions at Pune Airport,” in an attempt to justify the over four-hour delay.
In a similar incident, an Air India commander collapsed inside the cockpit while preparing to operate a flight from Bengaluru to Delhi. The two incidents highlight the importance of pilot health and safety in the aviation industry. IndiGo’s response to the situation, including providing medical assistance and arranging for an alternative crew, demonstrates the airline’s commitment to prioritizing safety and the well-being of its crew and passengers.
The delay experienced by the IndiGo flight may have caused inconvenience to passengers, but the airline’s actions ensured that the flight operated safely and efficiently. The incident serves as a reminder of the potential risks and challenges associated with air travel and the need for airlines to prioritize crew health and safety. Overall, IndiGo’s handling of the situation demonstrates its commitment to safety and customer well-being, despite the unfortunate circumstances that led to the delay.