SpiceJet flight bound for Patna returns to Delhi due to technical glitch, passengers safe

New Delhi (The Uttam Hindu): A SpiceJet flight bound for Patna ahead of the auspicious occasion of Chhath returned to Delhi shortly after take-off on Thursday morning due to a technical snag.

The airline said that flight SG 497, a Boeing 737 aircraft flying from Delhi to Patna, returned to Delhi and all passengers were safely disembarked. Furthermore, another aircraft was arranged for the passengers. However, the airline has not yet shared any information regarding the number of passengers on board the aircraft. "On October 23, SpiceJet flight SG 497, flying from Delhi to Patna, returned to Delhi after takeoff due to a technical snag," the airline said in a statement.

The airline further said, "The aircraft landed normally and passengers were deplaned safely. An alternate aircraft was arranged for the passengers, which has now departed for Patna." Earlier, on September 12, the outer wheel of a SpiceJet aircraft flying from Kandla in Gujarat to Mumbai broke during takeoff. However, the aircraft landed safely in Mumbai with 75 passengers on board. A SpiceJet spokesperson said regarding the matter, "On September 12, an outer wheel of a SpiceJet Q400 aircraft flying from Kandla to Mumbai was found on the runway after takeoff. The aircraft continued its journey to Mumbai and landed safely."

Earlier, SpiceJet flight SG041 from Delhi to Kathmandu was called back due to a suspected tailpipe fire. However, after an engineering inspection revealed no abnormalities, the plane was put back on the flight. The flight was delayed for about four hours. This SpiceJet plane had received a report of a suspected tailpipe fire from another aircraft on the ground. Although there were no warnings or indications in the cockpit, the pilots showed their presence of mind and decided to return.