No end to IndiGo’s troubles: Two more A320 neo aircraft grounded after engine snag

The first incident was reported from the IGI Airport, when an A320neo aircraft, bearing registration number VT-ITX, had to be grounded as metal chip particles were detected in the jet’s engine oil after it completed a Bengaluru-New Delhi flight on Sunday morning.

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IndiGo, however, in a statement said that the aircraft was “proactively withdrawn” in Delhi for a maintenance check. “These maintenance checks are part of a comprehensive programme of early detection. During the maintenance check, metal chips were observed on engine number 1, (and) number 3 bearing chip detector, which is a known concern on the Neo engine,” PTI quoted the airline as saying.

A second mishap was averted after a hydraulic leak was detected from the engine of another IndiGo A320neo in J&K’s Srinagar, following which it was grounded, according to ANI. Both budget carriers, IndiGo and GoAir, have made it clear that some of their flights would be cancelled till March 24 due to the grounding of its fleet.

However, the carrier has said that it was operating at 96 per cent of its strength. Assuring passengers, the flier in a statement said, “We would like to assure our passengers that between 96% to 98% of our flights are operating as usual.” On Friday, the Delhi High Court refused to ground the entire fleet of IndiGo’s A320neo aircraft on a plea alleging the planes have defective engines.