An IndiGo flight bound for Madurai was forced to return to Chennai mid-air on Friday after the pilot detected a technical snag, according to airport officials. The aircraft, which had taken off from Chennai with approximately 68 passengers onboard, encountered the issue roughly 30 minutes into the flight. Following standard safety procedures, the pilot informed air traffic control and sought permission to return and land at the departure airport.

The plane landed safely at Chennai airport a short while later. All passengers were safely deplaned without any injuries or further complications, officials confirmed. The nature of the technical issue has not yet been disclosed, and a detailed inspection of the aircraft is expected to be carried out. Airport authorities said the crew followed all emergency protocols and that the situation remained under control throughout the return flight.

There has been no official statement from IndiGo regarding the incident at the time of reporting. Passengers were reportedly offered alternative arrangements, though it is unclear whether another flight to Madurai was scheduled immediately. Incidents like this are rare but not unheard of, and aviation experts note that precautionary returns are standard when a possible mechanical issue is detected. Authorities emphasized that the pilot’s swift response ensured the safety of everyone onboard. As the investigation continues, the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) is expected to review the incident to determine whether any further action or safety recommendations are needed. The flight was part of IndiGo’s regular domestic service schedule, and operations from Chennai airport otherwise continued without disruption.