Indian Airlines Report 65 In-Flight Engine Shutdowns In Five Years, 11 Mayday Calls In 17 Months: Report

A Right to Information (RTI) query has revealed that Indian airlines reported 65 in-flight engine shutdowns between 2020 and 2025, with 11 “Mayday” distress calls made in just 17 months, Times of India reported.

The data, obtained from the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), highlights persistent engine malfunctions affecting flight safety.

“A total of 65 incidents related to in-flight shutdown of engines from 2020 to 2025 (till date) were reported across India,” the DGCA stated in its RTI reply to TOI.

These incidents include engine failures both during take-off and mid-air. In all cases, pilots managed to land safely using the unaffected engine.

Experts say the malfunctions are often caused by technical issues. “Primary causes of engine shutdowns include blocked fuel filters, fuel contamination with water, interrupted fuel supply to engines, and foreign objects entering the engine stack, all of which can halt flight operations,” Capt C S Randhawa, President of the Federation of Indian Pilots was quoted as saying.

RTI data also revealed that from 1 January 2024 to 31 May 2025, 11 Mayday calls were reported due to serious technical problems, requiring emergency landings.

Notably, these figures exclude the Air India AI-171 crash on 12 June and a diverted IndiGo flight on 19 June. Of the 11 Mayday calls, four flights landed in Hyderabad.

DGCA’s air safety director, AX Joseph, said the regulator continues to issue mandatory circulars and public notices to ensure stakeholder compliance and flight safety.

India currently ranks 48th globally in aviation safety oversight, according to the International Civil Aviation Organisation.

Also Read: Maharashtra Mulls Lowering Juvenile Age To 16 In Narcotics Cases To Curb Use Of Minors In Drug Trade