SpiceJet Delhi-Patna Flight Returns Due to Technical Issue: Latest in Series of Airline Incidents

A Patna-bound SpiceJet flight was forced to return to Delhi shortly after takeoff on Thursday morning due to technical difficulties, occurring just before the significant Chhath festival.

According to SpiceJet's official statement, flight SG 497, operating with a Boeing 737 aircraft from Delhi to Patna, executed a normal landing at Delhi airport where all passengers were safely evacuated.

The airline did not disclose the total number of passengers affected by the incident.

"On October 23, SpiceJet flight SG 497 operating from Delhi to Patna returned back to Delhi after take-off due to a technical issue," the airline confirmed in their statement.

"The aircraft landed normally and passengers were deplaned safely. An alternate aircraft was arranged to accommodate the passengers, which is now en route to Patna," the airline further explained.

This event adds to the growing list of technical issues experienced by the budget airline in recent months.

Previously, on September 12, a SpiceJet flight traveling from Kandla (Gujarat) to Mumbai lost an outer wheel during takeoff but managed to land safely at its destination.

"On September 12, an outer wheel of a SpiceJet Q400 aircraft operating from Kandla to Mumbai was found at the runway after take-off. The aircraft continued its journey to Mumbai and landed safely," a SpiceJet spokesperson reported on September 12.

The Q400 aircraft completed its journey to Mumbai and proceeded to the terminal under its own power after landing, according to the airline's statement at that time.

In another recent incident, a Kathmandu-bound SpiceJet flight experienced a suspected tailpipe fire at Delhi airport but safely returned to the bay.

The airline clarified that no warning indicators were observed in the cockpit, and the pilots returned as a precautionary measure.

SpiceJet, currently facing both financial and operational challenges, reported a consolidated net loss of Rs 234 crore in the April-June quarter (Q1) of FY26, compared to a profit of Rs 158 crore during the same period last year.

The airline attributed these financial losses to grounded aircraft, the costs associated with returning them to service, and reduced leisure travel resulting from geopolitical tensions.

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