Two passengers sustained minor injuries after an IndiGo flight from Bengaluru to Chennai was evacuated at Bengaluru airport on Tuesday after smoke was reported inside the aircraft while it was taxiing for departure.
The incident involved IndiGo flight 6E-6017 operated by Airbus A321 aircraft VT-IME. According to the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), smoke was observed in the cockpit and cabin after pushback, when the aircraft had commenced taxiing toward the runway.
The crew initiated an emergency evacuation using all escape slides. During the evacuation process, two passengers suffered minor injuries.
“The aircraft has been grounded for inspection/rectification. DGCA is investigating the incident,” the aviation regulator said.
In a statement, IndiGo said the evacuation was carried out immediately after smoke was detected onboard.
“On 26 May 2026, while IndiGo flight 6E 6017 from Bengaluru to Chennai was taxing out to runway for departure, smoke was noticed in the aircraft. In the interest of safety, an immediate evacuation was carried out and all the relevant authorities were informed,” an IndiGo spokesperson said.
The airline added that all passengers and crew members were safely shifted back to the terminal.
“All customers and crew are safe and have been moved to the terminal, where they are being attended to by our teams to ensure their well-being. An alternate aircraft has been arranged to operate the flight which will depart shortly and refreshments are being served to the customers to ease their wait time. At IndiGo, the safety of our customers and crew remains our top priority,” the spokesperson added.
ALSO READ: Ebola Scare: DGCA Issues SOP To Air India, IndiGo For Passengers Arriving From Congo, Uganda
Separately, amid rising concerns over Ebola cases reported in parts of Africa, India's Directorate General of Civil Aviation has issued a Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) for airlines operating flights connected to the Democratic Republic of the Congo and Uganda, mandating enhanced screening and precautionary measures for incoming passengers.
The SOP aims to strengthen preparedness against potential cross-border health risks. Airlines have been directed to implement mandatory passenger declarations and intensify monitoring protocols for travellers arriving from affected regions.
Under the guidelines, airlines must ensure compliance with health screening norms, including identification of suspected cases, isolation procedures, and coordination with airport health authorities.
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