Emergency landing in Ahmedabad, close shave for 194 flyers

AHMEDABAD: As many as 194 fliers had a close call when a SpiceJet flight between Delhi and Mumbai was forced to make an emergency landing at Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International (SVPI) airport in the city on Wednesday morning.

Authorities at the airport and the low-cost carrier said the emergency landing was needed because of pressurization failure in the aircraft.

SVPI airport director Manoj Gangal said, “An aircraft emergency landing took place on Wednesday morning at Ahmedabad airport. The SpiceJet flight SG160 from Mumbai to Delhi, involving a B737 aircraft with 194 passengers on board, had a pressurization failure at 6.45am.”

Gangal said the aircraft requested a diversion with immediate landing at Ahmedabad, which was approved by the SVPI authorities.

“All emergency procedures were immediately activated. According to information received from ATC (Air Traffic Control), the woman pilot of the aircraft reported a burning smell at 6.55am and requested a parking stand closest to the landing area, which was immediately approved. The aircraft landed at time 7.10am safely, under the watch of crash fire tenders, ambulances and medical services,” added Gangal.

He said all the passengers were safe and comfortable and had been served meals. The passengers were then put on a special flight in the afternoon.

A statement from SpiceJet said, “On July 4, 2018, SpiceJet B737 Aircraft VT- SZB was operating SG 160, from Mumbai to Delhi. En route, the aircraft had a pressurization problem. Following the standard operating procedure, the crew diverted the aircraft to Ahmedabad and landed safely.”