A Pune-Guwahati IndiGo flight with 192 people on board returned to Pune airport on Sunday after its landing gear failed to retract shortly after take-off, officials told news agency PTI.All passengers and crew members on board flight 6E 0623 were de-boarded safely after the emergency landing, and no injuries were reported. IndiGo was arranging another aircraft to take the affected passengers to Guwahati.The aircraft, registered as VT-IZE, reported a technical problem soon after taking off.
The pilot informed Air Traffic Control (ATC) that the landing gear had not retracted and remained extended, Pune airport authorities said in a statement.The airport authorities coordinated with the ATC, the airline and other agencies. The Indian Air Force (IAF), which manages the airport, declared a full emergency and activated the prescribed emergency response procedures.
Fire services, ambulances and other emergency response teams were placed on high alert to ensure the safety of passengers and crew, the statement said.As a precaution, the aircraft made a low pass over the runway so that its landing gear could be visually assessed. It then landed safely at Pune airport at 9.04 am, officials told PTI.
After landing, the aircraft was escorted to Bay No. 7 by three fire engines and two ambulances.
The ATC withdrew the full emergency at 9.10 am after confirming that the aircraft was in a safe and normal condition.An aerobridge was subsequently connected to the aircraft, and everyone on board was safely deboarded. IndiGo was arranging an alternative aircraft from Bengaluru to Pune for the passengers' onward journey to Guwahati.- Ends(With PTI inputs)