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

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.