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
Traveller using an EES Entry/Exit System screen at a European border

Europe Border Queues Could Hit Trips

Jun 11, 2026 22:44 PM
Zannier Île de Bendor hotel exterior with pool overlooking the sea

A French Island Retreat Reopens Near Bandol

Jun 11, 2026 22:31 PM

Power Banks Face Tougher Flight Rules

Jun 11, 2026 22:28 PM

Finnair Puts Turku and Tampere Back on the Map

Jun 11, 2026 22:15 PM
Aerial view of a small Sardinian beach with cliffs, turquoise water and boats

Sardinia Beach Trips Now Need a Plan

Jun 11, 2026 22:02 PM
Exterior of the ibis Styles Munich Airport hotel with green signage

Munich Airport Gets a New Sleepover Option

Jun 11, 2026 21:59 PM
easyJet aircraft parked at an airport on a rainy day

easyJet Picks Cheap Sun Breaks for Rainy Summer

Jun 11, 2026 21:46 PM
Aerial view of Zadar’s coastline with clear Adriatic water and seaside homes

Wizz Air Brings Zadar Closer to Central Europe

Jun 11, 2026 21:33 PM
Helsinki Cathedral and Market Square seen from the harbour

Helsinki Makes Summer Easy to Plan

Jun 11, 2026 21:27 PM

Bratislava Gets a Summer Shortcut to Mykonos

Jun 10, 2026 16:44 PM

Anantara Links Rome, Nice and Amalfi for Summer

Jun 10, 2026 16:31 PM
Wizz Air aircraft flying against a clear blue sky

Wizz Air Takes Wi-Fi Beyond Airplane Mode

Jun 10, 2026 16:28 PM
Pink suitcase standing on an airport floor beside a passenger

Cabin Bags Can Slow Aircraft Evacuations, IATA Warns

Jun 9, 2026 19:45 PM
Airline executives at Europe Japan joint venture signing ceremony

ITA Airways Joins a Bigger Japan–Europe Flight Network

Jun 9, 2026 19:32 PM
Turquoise bay with yachts and rocky coastline in Corsica

Corsica Gets a Direct Summer Link from Vienna

Jun 9, 2026 19:29 PM

Poland’s Baltic Mega-Hotel Opens with a Catch

Jun 8, 2026 22:26 PM

Toronto Returns to Budapest’s Summer Flight Board

Jun 7, 2026 20:13 PM
Skanderbeg Square in Tirana at dusk

Tirana Gets Six New Ryanair Summer Routes

Jun 7, 2026 20:07 PM
Visitors near the Universal globe at a resort entrance

Universal’s First European Theme Park Is Coming to Bedford

Jun 7, 2026 19:54 PM
Transavia aircraft flying against a blue sky

Transavia Opens Summer 2027 Bookings Early

Jun 7, 2026 19:41 PM
Colourful buildings in Kuressaare town centre

Saaremaa Gets an Easier Summer Flight Link

Jun 6, 2026 22:28 PM
Passengers boarding a Ryanair aircraft on the tarmac

Palermo, Dubrovnik and Bucharest Join Gdańsk’s Summer Board

Jun 6, 2026 22:15 PM

Riga to Tel Aviv Flights Could Return in July

Jun 6, 2026 22:02 PM

This Expedition Cabin Recreates 1896 at Sea

Jun 6, 2026 21:59 PM
Quentin Blake sitting in a wheelchair below a large blue illustration

London Opens a Museum Made for Illustration Lovers

Jun 6, 2026 21:46 PM
Lufthansa aircraft on a runway

Germany Drops a Transit Visa Hurdle for Indian Flyers

Jun 5, 2026 22:03 PM