Bangalore; India: A major aviation scare unfolded at Kempegowda International Airport on Tuesday evening after smoke was detected inside an IndiGo Airbus A321neo operating a Bengaluru-Chennai flight, forcing the emergency evacuation of more than 230 passengers and crew members just before takeoff.
According to the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) and airline officials, the incident involved IndiGo flight 6E 6017, which had begun taxiing towards the runway when smoke was observed inside both the cabin and cockpit, triggering an immediate emergency response.
The aircraft had completed pushback and was taxiing for departure to Chennai when smoke was reported onboard. Following the detection, the flight crew immediately halted operations and ordered an emergency evacuation as a precautionary measure.
All passengers were evacuated using the aircraft’s emergency escape slides on the taxiway, with airport fire and emergency response teams rushing to assist. The evacuation was completed before the aircraft could line up for takeoff.
During the emergency evacuation, two passengers sustained minor injuries, according to DGCA and multiple media reports. They were provided immediate medical attention at the terminal and were reported to be in stable condition.
Despite the panic, authorities confirmed that all passengers and crew were safely evacuated.
IndiGo confirmed the incident and stated that safety procedures were followed immediately after smoke was detected. “On 26 May 2026, while IndiGo flight 6E 6017 from Bengaluru to Chennai was taxiing toward the runway for departure, smoke was noticed in the aircraft. In the interest of safety, an immediate evacuation was carried out, and all relevant authorities were informed. All customers and crew are safe and have been moved to the terminal, where they are being attended to by our teams to ensure their well-being,” the airline said in its official statement.
The airline also arranged an alternate aircraft to operate the Bengaluru-Chennai service and provided assistance to affected passengers. The DGCA confirmed that the aircraft, an Airbus A321neo (VT-IME), has been grounded for inspection and rectification.
According to the regulator, smoke was reported shortly after pushback when the aircraft began taxiing, with observations indicating smoke presence in both the cockpit and cabin.
A detailed investigation has been initiated to determine the root cause. Authorities are examining possible technical issues, including:
- Electrical system malfunction
- Air-conditioning or auxiliary system failure
- Potential wiring or equipment overheating
Passengers described a sudden and alarming situation as smoke filled parts of the aircraft during taxiing. One passenger said that smoke appeared shortly after the flight began moving, causing immediate panic among those onboard. Another passenger described “dense smoke” and a strong smell inside the cabin, adding that elderly passengers and children faced difficulties during the evacuation process.
Eyewitness accounts also noted that passengers rushed toward exits as crew members guided them through emergency procedures. The exact cause of the smoke remains under investigation, with DGCA expected to release preliminary findings after a detailed technical inspection of the aircraft systems.
