India
In a revelation that has sparked concerns about aviation safety in India, Union Minister of State for Civil Aviation, Murlidhar Mohol, disclosed that six incidents of aircraft engine shutdowns and three instances of Mayday calls have been reported across the country recently. The minister made this statement during a parliamentary session, highlighting the growing need for stricter safety norms, better maintenance protocols, and stronger regulatory oversight in India’s aviation sector.
Alarming Rise in Safety-Related Incidents
Mohol informed the Rajya Sabha that between January 2024 and July 2025, the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) received multiple safety-related reports from various Indian airlines. Among them, six were categorized as engine shutdown events—an occurrence that significantly endangers passenger safety and aircraft operations.
Additionally, three flights were forced to issue Mayday calls, the international distress signal indicating an imminent threat to life or aircraft. Such calls are only made in the gravest of emergencies and require immediate intervention from air traffic control and emergency services on the ground.
These figures, while not unprecedented globally, are nonetheless concerning for a country like India where the aviation sector is growing rapidly. With increasing air traffic and the addition of newer airlines and aircraft, ensuring safety across operations has become a top priority for the government and aviation stakeholders.
Minister’s Assurance on Safety Measures
Attempting to allay fears, Minister Mohol emphasized that all incidents were thoroughly investigated by the DGCA, and necessary action was taken wherever required. In some cases, airlines were asked to ground specific aircraft until a thorough inspection was completed. In others, the DGCA issued safety directives to avoid recurrence of similar incidents.
“The government is committed to ensuring the highest standards of safety in Indian aviation. We continuously monitor safety indicators and compliance levels across all airlines and maintenance organizations,” said Mohol.
He added that India’s civil aviation watchdog has intensified routine audits, random inspections, and spot checks to ensure adherence to prescribed maintenance and operational protocols.
Notable Incidents That Prompted Action
Though the minister did not name specific airlines in his speech, industry sources indicate that at least two major low-cost carriers were involved in recent engine shutdown events, primarily due to technical glitches or suspected bird strikes. One of the Mayday calls was reportedly made by a domestic flight en route from Delhi to Mumbai after experiencing a sudden loss of cabin pressure, which forced the crew to make an emergency descent and diversion.
In another case, an aircraft returning from the Middle East reported an engine failure mid-flight and made a safe emergency landing after declaring Mayday. These incidents were widely covered in the media and drew attention to the need for stronger technical oversight.
Experts Call for Comprehensive Review
Aviation experts believe that while the Indian aviation sector is largely safe, the recent uptick in emergency situations is a wake-up call. Captain M.P. Tyagi, a retired commercial pilot and aviation safety consultant, said, “Engine shutdowns and Mayday calls are rare but not impossible. What matters is how these incidents are handled, and whether the system learns and adapts from them.”
He emphasized the need for continuous training of crew, timely maintenance of aircraft, and the use of predictive analytics to foresee technical failures before they happen.
DGCA Under Scrutiny
The DGCA, India’s aviation regulator, has often come under scrutiny over alleged lapses in monitoring airline operations. While it has taken several steps in recent years to modernize its surveillance methods—including digital logbooks and AI-based inspection systems—critics argue that enforcement often lags behind policy.
In response, DGCA officials have assured the public that there is no compromise on safety. “All incidents are reviewed thoroughly, and we enforce strict penalties when violations are detected,” an official said anonymously.
Public Reaction and the Way Ahead
The travelling public, already anxious due to increasing turbulence incidents and flight delays, has expressed concern over the rising number of emergencies. Social media has seen a wave of posts demanding accountability and transparency from airlines and the regulator.
The Ministry of Civil Aviation has promised to maintain public trust by publishing quarterly safety reports and increasing transparency in incident investigations. Moreover, a special task force is being considered to audit engine health and maintenance practices of all Indian airlines.
Conclusion
As India’s aviation sector continues to expand, ensuring the safety of passengers and crew must remain paramount. The disclosure by Union Minister Murlidhar Mohol is a reminder that even as we aim for global standards in growth and connectivity, safety cannot be compromised. Timely interventions, stricter oversight, and collaborative action between regulators and airlines will be key to restoring public confidence and ensuring that Indian skies remain safe for all.
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