Archive · 10 Sep 2026
Mumbai-bound IndiGo flight delayed 3.5 hours after pilot illness
An IndiGo airplane was supposed to fly from Varanasi to Mumbai.
Its pilot suddenly reported being sick.
The airline had to find another pilot before the plane could leave.
The replacement pilot came from Ahmedabad.
This made the flight late by three and a half hours.
Passengers were told why the flight was delayed and were given refreshments.
The plane eventually flew to Mumbai.
The airport director said passengers did not create a disturbance.
IndiGo flight 6E-6544 from Varanasi to Mumbai was delayed by three and a half hours.
The assigned pilot reportedly called in sick shortly before the scheduled departure.
IndiGo arranged a replacement pilot from Ahmedabad because Varanasi is not its base station.
Passengers were reportedly informed about the delay and served refreshments.
The flight later departed for Mumbai; the airport director denied reports of a passenger disturbance.
- Who
- IndiGo and passengers on flight 6E-6544; the assigned pilot reported sick and another pilot operated the flight.
- What
- A Mumbai-bound flight was delayed by three and a half hours before departing.
- When
- Thursday, September 10; the article does not specify a year.
- Where
- The flight was scheduled to depart from Lal Bahadur Shastri International Airport in Varanasi for Mumbai; the replacement pilot came from Ahmedabad.
- Why
- IndiGo said the assigned pilot called in sick, requiring alternative arrangements.
Airport account
Airline account
Reason for the delay
Airport account
Airport Director Puneet Gupta said the flight was delayed because of technical reasons.
Airline account
IndiGo sources said the assigned pilot suddenly reported sick, requiring a replacement pilot and causing the delay.
Passenger behavior
Airport account
Puneet Gupta denied reports that passengers created a disturbance at the airport.
Airline account
The airline source said passengers were informed about the reason for the delay and served refreshments.
- Flight
- IndiGo flight 6E-6544
- Route
- Varanasi to Mumbai
- Delay
- Three and a half hours
- Replacement pilot
- Brought from Ahmedabad
- Passenger services
- Passengers were informed and served refreshments
- Final outcome
- The flight later departed for Mumbai
- Airport statement
- Airport Director Puneet Gupta attributed the delay to technical reasons and denied reports of a passenger disturbance