IndiGo suspends pilots after taking off without ATC clearance: details of the incident

By TravelWiseFeb 6, 2024 19:01 PMNews
Share:
IndiGo suspends pilots after taking off without ATC clearance: details of the incident
IndiGo pilots took off without air traffic control permission. Source: c

An international flight of the low-cost airline IndiGo from India to Azerbaijan, which took off from Indira Gandhi International Airport without permission from air traffic control, caused a discussion in the press. The pilots were immediately suspended, and the carrier and the competent authorities launched an investigation

The crew members are at risk of losing their jobs over the incident and are now facing an investigation by the Directorate General of Civil Aviation of India (DGCA), Simple Flying writes.

Although the specific circumstances of the incident remain unknown, Indian authorities have taken control of the situation.

IndiGo's statement emphasizes that they are taking the incident seriously and are ready to take appropriate action once the investigation is complete.

"Regarding reports of an incident involving IndiGo flight 6E 1803 operating between Delhi and Baku on January 28, 2024, the incident is currently under investigation and appropriate action will be taken as necessary," the statement said.

The high-profile incident, which called into question the airline's reputation and the level of safety in the aviation industry, has attracted attention as such flights without dispatchers' permission can endanger passengers and crew.

Neither the names of the pilots nor their explanation of the situation were made public. Fortunately, the incident ended without incident.

Top Articles
Top 10 reasons for flight cancelation by airlines: a clear algorithm of actions to get compensation

Top 10 reasons for flight cancelation by airlines: a clear algorithm of actions to get compensation

Oct 16, 2025 16:22 PM
Smartphone with eSIM logo surrounded by travel essentials like flowers, map, camera, and sunglasses

Where to Buy eSIM at the Best Price: A Full Review of Tariffs and Options

Aug 8, 2025 10:54 AM

No More SIM Swaps: The eSIM Travel Solution You’ll Actually Use

Aug 4, 2025 16:51 PM

Not Just a Suitcase: My Personal Checklist for Smart Travelers in 2025

Mar 3, 2025 18:00 PM
More News
Large aircraft taxiing on snow-covered runway during winter conditions

Snow Disrupts Bucharest Flights as 58 Vehicles Clear Runways

Feb 19, 2026 07:41 AM
Aer Lingus Airbus A320 taxiing on runway at the airport

Shannon Adds Early Paris Link for Summer 2026

Feb 19, 2026 07:38 AM

Riyadh Air Unveils Hafawa Lounge at RUH

Feb 18, 2026 17:35 PM

Air Canada Adds Guadalajara and Boosts Mexico Flights

Feb 18, 2026 17:22 PM
View of Quebec City skyline with Château Frontenac and St Lawrence River

Nantes Gets Direct Québec Link for Summer 2026

Feb 18, 2026 17:19 PM
Traveller standing on canyon cliff overlooking winding river in the US Southwest

US Faces Tourism Hit Over Proposed ESTA Changes

Feb 18, 2026 17:06 PM
Aerial view of small forested islands on a calm Swedish lake at sunset

Sweden Offers Year On a Private Island

Feb 18, 2026 16:53 PM
Hand holding a British passport against a neutral background

Europe’s New Border Rules: Dates UK Travellers Must Know

Feb 18, 2026 16:47 PM
Air India aircraft taking off runway

Air India opens 16,000 sq ft flagship lounge in Delhi

Feb 18, 2026 16:34 PM

Emirates Rolls Out Ramadan Services Across Network

Feb 18, 2026 16:21 PM

Italy Airport Strikes Shift to 26 February

Feb 17, 2026 18:37 PM
Lufthansa Boeing 787-9 parked at Frankfurt Airport gate

Lufthansa Opens Most Allegris Seats on 787

Feb 17, 2026 18:24 PM
Corner tower of the Forbidden City reflected in water at sunset

Edinburgh–Beijing Direct Flights Cut Out the Stopover

Feb 17, 2026 18:03 PM
Snow-covered residential street with icy road conditions

Cold Snap Brings Travel Risks Across Parts of the UK

Feb 17, 2026 04:39 AM
Stone Bridge and statues over the Vardar River in Skopje

Palermo Gains Skopje Link as Wizz Air Expands Base

Feb 17, 2026 04:06 AM

Nine Days Offline: What Manchester Piccadilly’s Overhaul Means for Your Journey

Feb 16, 2026 18:12 PM

AirAsia X Returns to London with Bahrain Stop

Feb 16, 2026 02:17 AM
Ryanair Boeing 737 aircraft in flight against a cloudy sky

Ryanair Urges Germany to Scrap Air Travel Tax

Feb 16, 2026 02:05 AM
View over central Palermo with historic buildings and mountains

Wizz Air Plants its Flag in Palermo

Feb 15, 2026 22:11 PM
British Airways aircraft in flight against cloudy sky

British Airways Adds Madrid and Toulon as 50th Avios-Only Milestone

Feb 15, 2026 22:08 PM
Panoramic view of Turin skyline with Mole Antonelliana and Alps in the background

Ryanair expands Turin base for Summer 2026

Feb 15, 2026 21:55 PM
Palm tree overlooking clear blue sea and rocky coastline in Barbados

Dublin to Barbados returns for spring 2026

Feb 15, 2026 18:52 PM

Ryanair adds three new routes in Poznań for Summer 2026

Feb 14, 2026 17:19 PM

Emirates Adds Valentine’s Touches to Flights and Lounges

Feb 14, 2026 05:06 AM
Air Serbia aircraft in flight

Air Serbia Valentine’s Offer Brings Half-Price Companion Fares

Feb 14, 2026 04:53 AM
Passengers waiting inside airport terminal overlooking runway

UK Airports Hit as Lufthansa Strike Cancels Hundreds of Flights

Feb 13, 2026 17:07 PM