A SpiceJet flight carrying 150 passengers declared a full emergency at Delhi airport on Tuesday after one of its engines malfunctioned mid‑air.
The Boeing 737 aircraft, operating as flight SG121 from Delhi to Leh, returned safely to Indira Gandhi International Airport. All passengers disembarked without injuries.
Crew members detected a problem with the second engine shortly after take‑off. Pilots decided to turn back rather than continue to Leh, a high‑altitude destination that requires aircraft to be in top operational condition. SpiceJet confirmed that a technical snag forced the return and assured that alternate arrangements were being made for passengers.
Authorities at Delhi airport declared a full emergency to ensure preparedness during the aircraft’s landing. The incident highlighted the importance of reliability and safety on routes like Leh, where terrain and weather demand maximum efficiency from aircraft systems.
In a separate development, the Supreme Court dismissed review petitions filed by the customs department seeking retrospective IGST on aircraft and parts brought back after overseas repairs. The ruling provided relief to airlines, including InterGlobe Aviation and SpiceJet.
A bench of Justices BV Nagarathna and KV Viswanathan said no error existed in its earlier decision. The court reaffirmed that the 2017 exemption notification did not include IGST, and the 2021 amendment could not be applied retrospectively.
The twin developments underscored both operational challenges and regulatory clarity for Indian aviation, with SpiceJet at the centre of attention.
