Smoke and flames in luggage compartment force IndiGo flight diversion to Hyderabad

HYDERABAD: An IndiGo flight from Delhi to Chennai was diverted to Hyderabad after a passenger's power bank caught fire in the aircraft's overhead luggage compartment. The aircraft landed safely at Rajiv Gandhi International Airport, and all passengers and crew members were safe, according to reports.

The incident occurred on IndiGo flight 6E 6115, operated by an Airbus A321-251N aircraft. The flight departed Delhi at 1.30 pm and was scheduled to arrive in Chennai at 4 pm. During the journey, smoke began billowing from the overhead luggage compartment before flames broke out. Videos of the incident circulated on social media, showing some passengers attempting to smother the flames using their bags. The cabin crew used fire extinguishers to bring the blaze under control. IndiGo arranged an alternative aircraft to allow passengers to continue their journey to Chennai. The airline apologised for the inconvenience caused by the unexpected incident.

The airline said it was making arrangements to provide refreshments and beverages to passengers and share timely updates. The safety of passengers and crew remained its top priority, IndiGo said in a statement.