Patna-bound flight returns to Delhi after pilot detects technical glitch

Patna: A SpiceJet’s Patna-bound flight was forced to return to Delhi shortly after take-off due to a technical snag on Thursday morning. Flight SG-497, carrying 160 passengers, had barely reached Faridabad when the pilot detected the issue and made a swift decision to turn back, prioritising passenger safety.

The aircraft landed safely, and an alternate flight was arranged to ensure passengers and crew members reached their destination in time for Chhath puja celebrations.“The aircraft made a normal landing and passengers were de-planed normally. An alternate aircraft was arranged to accommodate the passengers. Passengers’ safety is our top priority. The Boeing 737-8A aircraft has been grounded for a detailed inspection, and checks are underway before being cleared for operations,” a SpiceJet spokesperson.The flight departed at 9.41am from Delhi for Patna. After being in the air for hardly 10 minutes, the pilot made a U-turn and returned to Delhi. The alternate flight reached Jayprakash Narayan International Airport, Patna, with stranded passengers from Delhi at 1.47pm. The outgoing flight (SG-498) departed at 2.36pm for Delhi, which was supposed to take off at 11.30am.Many travellers en route to celebrate Chhath in Bihar expressed frustration over the delay. Passengers heading out of Patna were also irked due to the inconvenience.