Passenger evacuation Archives - Page 2 of 2

Edinburg, United Kingdom: A British Airways flight from Edinburgh to London Heathrow was forced to declare an emergency shortly after takeoff, after pilots discovered a landing‑gear fault on 8 December. The incident disrupted operations at Edinburgh Airport and triggered the temporary suspension of all flights. Flight BA1443, operating an Airbus A320 (registration G‑EUUI), took off from Edinburgh’s Runway 24 at approximately 11:13 GMT on Monday morning. According to tracking data and air‑traffic sources, the flight crew soon identified that the aircraft’s landing gear could not be fully retracted. They issued a “7700” squawk the general‑emergency code then held at altitude around 6,500 feet while troubleshooting. The aircraft circled near the Stirling area for roughly 30–40 minutes before returning to Edinburgh. It landed safely at around 12:20 GMT. Upon landing, the aircraft came to a stop on Edinburgh’s only operational runway and remained immobilised due to the landing‑gear problem. As a result, the airport suspended all arrivals and departures until the aircraft could be towed off and the runway inspected and cleared. During the shutdown, flights from other carriers including easyJet, Ryanair and Lufthansa were delayed or diverted, creating a ripple effect of disruption across the airport’s schedule. Passengers aboard BA1443 were safely evacuated, they were transported back to the terminal via coaches. In a statement, British Airways confirmed the flight’s safe return, “The aircraft returned to Edinburgh Airport safely after our pilots identified a technical issue after take‑off.” The airline added it is working to minimise disruption for affected customers. Edinburgh Airport said that safety remained its top priority. After the aircraft was towed off the runway and hydraulic fluid cleared, normal operations resumed. The airport thanked passengers for their patience and the response teams for their swift action.

British Airways A320 Declares Emergency After Gear Fault; Edinburgh Airport Stops Flights

Aviation Today News Desk / December 9, 2025

Edinburg, United Kingdom: A British Airways flight from Edinburgh to London Heathrow was forced to declare an emergency shortly after […]

Istanbul, Turkey: A scheduled flight from Pristina to Istanbul ended in a runway excursion late on December 7 as a Anadolujet (AJet) Boeing 737-800 veered off the newly-opened runway at Sabiha Gökçen International Airport (SAW). The incident has forced closure of runway 06R/24L and triggered widespread flight delays and cancellations across one of Turkey’s busiest air hubs. Flight VF102 registration TC-JZN touched down on runway 24L just before 18:00 local time. According to Initial reports, the aircraft slowed but, while attempting a high-speed turnoff via taxiway A6 roughly 1,850 metres down the runway, failed to make the turn. The plane skidded off the paved surface onto soft ground adjacent to the runway, coming to a halt within the runway protected area. Despite the dramatic nature of the event, all passengers and crew on board were evacuated safely using external stairs and emergency slides were not deployed. There have been no reports of injuries. According to the airline and official statements from the embassy of Kosovo in Turkey, the aircraft’s deviation was not due to a mechanical failure or pilot error, but was triggered by wet and soft terrain following heavy rainfall in the area. Investigators have reportedly launched a probe to verify whether runway surface conditions played a decisive role. The incident forced an immediate closure of runway 06R/24L to allow for safe removal of the aircraft and inspection of the runway and taxiway infrastructure. Aviation authorities recorded flight delays. Flights operated by several major carriers including Turkish Airlines, as well as regional and international airlines were among those severely disrupted. For many passengers, plans for onward travel or hotel reservations in Istanbul and other destinations have been upended. Airport management crews have commenced full inspection of runway and taxiway surfaces, drainage systems, and runway safety features before reopening. Meanwhile, regulatory bodies have signaled that a broader review of weather-related landing protocols and runway maintenance procedures may follow.

Incidents

AJet 737 Skids Off Istanbul SAW Runway; Temporary Closure Disrupts Hundreds Of Flights

Aviation Today News Desk / December 8, 2025

Istanbul, Turkey: A scheduled flight from Pristina to Istanbul ended in a runway excursion late on December 7 as a

São Paulo, Brazil: A LATAM Airlines Airbus A320 was evacuated late on Thursday after a fire broke out in ground-handling equipment during pre-departure operations at São Paulo’s Guarulhos International Airport (GRU), forcing 169 passengers to leave the aircraft as a safety precaution. According to LATAM, the incident occurred while the aircraft was preparing for a scheduled service to Porto Alegre. The fire did not originate from the aircraft itself but from third-party baggage-loading equipment positioned near the fuselage. Smoke from the blaze prompted the flight crew to activate emergency evacuation procedures. Passengers exited the aircraft using both the boarding bridge and emergency evacuation slides. Airport fire and rescue teams responded immediately and contained the fire within minutes. Authorities confirmed that no injuries were reported. LATAM stated that all affected passengers were provided with assistance following the evacuation. Of the 169 onboard, 159 passengers were re-accommodated on flights the following morning, while the remaining travellers were assisted through alternative arrangements, including ground transport. As a precaution, refuelling operations for other aircraft at the airport were temporarily suspended for about 10 minutes while emergency crews secured the area. Normal airport operations resumed shortly after the situation was declared under control. The airport operator and LATAM have both confirmed that an investigation has been launched to determine the exact cause of the fire involving the ground-handling equipment. The airline reiterated that passenger safety remains its highest priority and that it is cooperating fully with authorities. Guarulhos International Airport is Brazil’s busiest aviation hub, handling hundreds of domestic and international flights daily. While ground-equipment fires are rare, aviation safety experts note that such incidents highlight the importance of strict maintenance and monitoring standards on the ramp.

Incidents

169 Evacuated As Ground Equipment Catches Fire Near LATAM Aircraft At GRU At Sao Paulo

Aviation Today News Desk / December 6, 2025

São Paulo, Brazil: A LATAM Airlines Airbus A320 was evacuated late on Thursday after a fire broke out in ground-handling

Incidents

Endeavor Air Regional Jet Skids Off Runway During Winter Storm At Des Moines Airport

Aviation Today News Desk / December 1, 2025

Des Moines, United States: A regional jet operated by Endeavor Air under the Delta Connection brand slid off the runway

Vilnius, Lithuania: A regional jet operated by LOT Polish Airlines slid off the taxiway at Vilnius Airport today, forcing a temporary closure of the runway. All 63 passengers and four crew members on board disembarked safely, and no injuries have been reported, airport and airline officials confirmed. The aircraft involved was an Embraer E170 (registration SP-LDK), operating flight LO771 from Warsaw (Poland) to Vilnius (Lithuania). The flight landed at 13:43 local time (runway 01) without apparent issues. However, while taxiing toward the stand, the aircraft veered off the paved surface sliding onto the northern side of the airfield. Flight-tracking records show the plane had slowed to under 30 knots before the final taxiway turn but nevertheless “continued straight,” failing to make the turn and leaving the paved taxiway surface. Emergency services including fire and ground-handling teams responded immediately. Passengers disembarked via mobile stairs and were safely transported to the terminal. No injuries or medical emergencies have been reported. The airline confirmed the return flight, LO772 from Vilnius to Warsaw, has been cancelled pending technical inspection. LOT’s technical team, together with airport authorities, is assessing the aircraft and runway condition before any further operations resume. Following the incident, Vilnius Airport under the authority of Lithuanian Airports (LTOU) issued a NOTAM and closed its runway, suspending all arrivals and departures. Initial estimates suggested resumption by 17:00 local time, but the closure was later extended until at least 22:00 as recovery and inspection work continued. The closure has affected other scheduled flights. Passengers on flights due to depart or arrive during the shutdown were advised to contact their airlines for updated schedules. The incident occurred amid heavy, wet snowfall in Vilnius part of a broader winter weather surge across Lithuania. The buildup of snow and slush likely contributed to poor friction on taxiway/runway surfaces. Meteorological warnings had been issued earlier, cautioning travelers about hazardous conditions. While the exact cause has not yet been determined, local media and aviation-safety observers have highlighted slippery surfaces from snow and wet slush as plausible contributing factors. Immediately after the incident, the airport’s Emergency Commission convened a meeting. The gathering included the transport minister, justice-department officials, and LTOU management, signaling the start of a formal investigation. Authorities have yet to publish a preliminary report. The investigation is expected to examine multiple aspects including runway/taxiway surface condition, snow/ice removal procedures, friction measurements, aircraft handling during taxi, and possible human or technical errors.

Incidents

LOT Polish Airlines Jet Slides Off Taxiway At Vilnius Airport, Runway Shut After Snow

Aviation Today News Desk / November 27, 2025

Vilnius, Lithuania: A regional jet operated by LOT Polish Airlines slid off the taxiway at Vilnius Airport today, forcing a

Florida, United States: A JetBlue Airways flight traveling from Cancún, Mexico, to Newark, New Jersey, was forced to make an emergency landing in Tampa after a reported flight control malfunction caused a sudden loss of altitude on Thursday afternoon, hospitalizing at least 15 passengers. Flight 1230, operated by an Airbus A320, was en route to Newark Liberty International Airport when it abruptly lost more than 14,500 feet in five minutes, followed by another rapid descent of over 12,200 feet within the next five minutes, according to flight-tracking data cited by Business Insider. The aircraft diverted safely to Tampa International Airport, landing at approximately 2:19 p.m. ET. Emergency medical teams met the plane on arrival and transported injured passengers to nearby hospitals for treatment. Officials said the injuries were primarily non-life-threatening. “JetBlue Flight 1230 experienced a flight control issue en route from Cancún to Newark and was diverted to Tampa for a safe landing,” the airline said in a statement. “Customers and crewmembers requiring medical attention were transported to local hospitals. The aircraft has been taken out of service for inspection.” Local authorities confirmed that at least 15 to 20 individuals were evaluated at the scene. Hillsborough County Fire Rescue reported that three passengers suffered head injuries during the event. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) said it has opened an investigation into the incident, focusing on the reported flight control malfunction that triggered the rapid descent. Weather conditions along the route were reportedly stable, and turbulence has not been cited as a contributing factor. The airline has arranged alternate transportation for the remaining passengers to continue to Newark. The aircraft remains grounded at Tampa International for maintenance checks and data retrieval. While mechanical malfunctions are rare, aviation safety experts note that the sharp altitude loss and subsequent safe landing highlight the importance of pilot training and quick decision-making in emergency scenarios. The FAA and JetBlue’s internal safety team are continuing to investigate the cause of the incident. Preliminary findings are expected within the next several days.

Incidents

JetBlue A320 Plunges 26,000 Feet Midair, Lands Safely in Tampa; 15 Hospitalized

Aviation Today News Desk / November 1, 2025

Florida, United States: A JetBlue Airways flight traveling from Cancún, Mexico, to Newark, New Jersey, was forced to make an

Chennai, India: An IndiGo flight traveling from Mumbai to Phuket was forced to make an emergency landing in Chennai on Thursday following a bomb scare, authorities confirmed. The Airbus A320 aircraft, operating flight 6E 1089, was carrying 176 passengers and six crew members when the threat was identified mid-air. The flight departed Mumbai at 3:33 PM and was over the Bay of Bengal when the crew was alerted to a possible explosive device in the aircraft's lavatory. The pilot promptly diverted the aircraft to Chennai, ensuring a safe landing at 7:20 PM local time. Passengers were safely deboarded and moved to the airport lounge as security procedures were initiated. Following the landing, the Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) deployed its bomb disposal unit along with sniffer dogs to thoroughly inspect the aircraft. The investigation revealed that the threat was a hoax. Officials continue to investigate the origin of the threatening email and are working to identify the individual responsible. Due to a night curfew at Phuket airport, the flight’s onward journey was postponed until later in the evening. IndiGo assured passengers that efforts were being made to minimize inconvenience, including providing refreshments and continuous updates throughout the delay. Months ago, on April 8 2025 an IndiGo flight operating from Jaipur to Mumbai was forced to make an emergency landing at Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport (CSMIA) on Monday evening after a bomb threat note was discovered onboard. The aircraft, flight 6E 5324, was carrying 225 passengers and landed safely at approximately 8:50 p.m. Once the plane landed, it was promptly guided to a remote bay for a comprehensive security sweep. Passengers were then safely disembarked under the careful supervision of security personnel.

Incidents

Bomb Scare Forces IndiGo Flight from Mumbai to Phuket to Divert to Chennai

Aviation Today News Desk / September 21, 2025

Chennai, India: An IndiGo flight traveling from Mumbai to Phuket was forced to make an emergency landing in Chennai on

Vishakhapatnam, India: An Air India Express flight bound for Hyderabad was forced to make an emergency landing at Visakhapatnam (Vizag) airport on Thursday afternoon after a suspected bird strike caused engine trouble shortly after takeoff. Flight IX 2658, operated by Air India Express, departed Vizag around 2:38 PM with 103 passengers onboard. About 10 nautical miles into its climb, the pilots detected abnormal vibrations in one of the engines and suspected a bird strike. Following standard safety protocols, the commander immediately contacted Air Traffic Control and requested clearance to return. The aircraft made a precautionary landing back at Visakhapatnam airport at approximately 3:00 PM. Emergency services were placed on standby, but the landing was completed without incident. All passengers were safely deboarded, and no injuries were reported. The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has been informed of the incident, and engineers are carrying out a detailed inspection to confirm the extent of the damage and verify whether a bird strike was indeed the cause of the engine trouble. Air India Express released a statement assuring that passenger safety was never compromised. The airline confirmed that alternative arrangements, including rebooking on later flights and refund options, were being provided to affected passengers. The flight, however, has been cancelled pending safety clearance of the aircraft.

Incidents

Air India Express Flight Makes Emergency Landing in Vizag After Suspected Bird Strike

Aviation Today News Desk / September 20, 2025

Vishakhapatnam, India: An Air India Express flight bound for Hyderabad was forced to make an emergency landing at Visakhapatnam (Vizag)

Los Angeles, United States: Southwest Airlines Flight 1394, a Boeing 737-700, safely diverted to Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) after experiencing an engine failure shortly after departing Hollywood Burbank Airport on the morning of September 11, 2025. The flight was en route to Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport when the issue occurred. According to the airline, the flight crew promptly identified the mechanical issue and executed an emergency diversion to LAX, where the aircraft landed safely at approximately 8:15 a.m. local time. There were no injuries reported among the passengers or crew, and the aircraft taxied to a gate without further incident. Southwest Airlines confirmed that all passengers were accommodated on alternate flights to reach their intended destination. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has launched an investigation into the engine failure to determine the cause and ensure compliance with safety regulations. No official FAA or NTSB statement has yet confirmed the detailed technical cause. Prior to this, on July 18, 2025, Delta Airlines Flight 446, a Boeing 767, experienced an engine fire shortly after takeoff from LAX. The aircraft returned to the airport and made an emergency landing. Emergency crews responded promptly, and all passengers and crew members were safely evacuated via emergency slides. No injuries were reported.

Incidents

Southwest Airlines Boeing 737-700 Makes Emergency Landing at LAX Due To Engine Issue

Aviation Today News Desk / September 13, 2025

Los Angeles, United States: Southwest Airlines Flight 1394, a Boeing 737-700, safely diverted to Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) after

Ahmedabad, India: An IndiGo flight bound for Dubai from Surat was forced to make an emergency landing at Ahmedabad’s Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport on Thursday morning after developing a mid-air technical fault. The Airbus A320-271N aircraft, operating as flight 6E 1507, took off from Surat around 9:30 AM with nearly 170 passengers on board. Shortly after departure, the crew detected a technical snag, reportedly related to the engine system, prompting the pilots to divert to Ahmedabad as a precautionary measure. The flight landed safely at around 11:00–11:40 AM, according to multiple reports. All passengers and crew were declared safe, with no injuries reported. Passengers were deboarded at Ahmedabad. IndiGo confirmed that a replacement aircraft was arranged, which departed Ahmedabad at around 1:45 PM IST and landed in Dubai at 1:35 PM local time, ensuring passengers reached their destination with a delay of about two hours . In a statement, the airline emphasized: “At IndiGo, passenger safety is our highest priority. The flight was diverted to Ahmedabad as a precaution. We regret the inconvenience caused and appreciate passengers’ understanding.” The diverted aircraft remains grounded in Ahmedabad, where engineers are conducting a thorough inspection and maintenance checks to identify the exact cause of the snag. Industry reports suggest the fault may have been engine-related, although IndiGo has not officially confirmed the nature of the defect. The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has launched an inquiry into the incident to examine the sequence of events, technical cause, and the airline’s handling of the situation. A senior official confirmed that detailed reports from the airline and maintenance crew have been sought.

Incidents

IndiGo Airbus A320 From Surat to Dubai Diverted to Ahmedabad Over Technical Glitch

Aviation Today News Desk / August 29, 2025

Ahmedabad, India: An IndiGo flight bound for Dubai from Surat was forced to make an emergency landing at Ahmedabad’s Sardar

Passenger evacuation

British Airways A320 Declares Emergency After Gear Fault; Edinburgh Airport Stops Flights

AJet 737 Skids Off Istanbul SAW Runway; Temporary Closure Disrupts Hundreds Of Flights

169 Evacuated As Ground Equipment Catches Fire Near LATAM Aircraft At GRU At Sao Paulo

Endeavor Air Regional Jet Skids Off Runway During Winter Storm At Des Moines Airport

LOT Polish Airlines Jet Slides Off Taxiway At Vilnius Airport, Runway Shut After Snow

JetBlue A320 Plunges 26,000 Feet Midair, Lands Safely in Tampa; 15 Hospitalized

Bomb Scare Forces IndiGo Flight from Mumbai to Phuket to Divert to Chennai

Air India Express Flight Makes Emergency Landing in Vizag After Suspected Bird Strike

Southwest Airlines Boeing 737-700 Makes Emergency Landing at LAX Due To Engine Issue

IndiGo Airbus A320 From Surat to Dubai Diverted to Ahmedabad Over Technical Glitch

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