A Malaysian-origin international cargo flight made a tense but safe landing at Chennai International Airport on Tuesday after one of its engines caught fire during its approach. The incident raised fresh questions over maintenance standards in India’s cargo aviation sector.
As it got closer to Chennai, the Kuala Lumpur-based plane reported a fire in its fourth engine. Emergency reaction teams were put on standby, and air traffic controllers were notified right away.
The pilots maintained control of the aircraft and made a flawless landing without formally stating an emergency, even though the situation was dire. Firefighters hurried to the runway as soon as the plane touched down and put out the fire before it could spread.
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“There were no injuries reported, and all safety protocols were followed effectively,” official sources told the media.
The fire was brought under control within minutes, and the aircraft came to a safe halt on the runway.
Airport authorities have grounded the aircraft for inspection and maintenance. An official investigation has been launched to determine the cause of the fire.
The identity of the cargo operator has not been disclosed, and details about the cargo remain confidential.
Operations at Chennai Airport continued as normal after the incident, with no impact on arriving or departing flights.
This is the second engine-related alert involving a cargo aircraft in India in recent months. Aviation safety experts have noted a worrying trend, highlighting the need for stricter maintenance checks, particularly for older aircraft in commercial cargo fleets.
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Industry observers warn that while cargo aviation often operates with ageing aircraft, the mechanical stress on such planes can be higher due to long-haul and heavy-load operations. The DGCA is expected to release a preliminary report soon, which may recommend tighter safety compliance measures.
Aviation analysts have praised the pilots’ calm handling of the crisis and the airport emergency team’s swift reaction. They note that adherence to safety protocols prevented what could have been a major disaster.
The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has already begun gathering data on the aircraft’s maintenance records, engine history, and operational performance. The findings could influence future regulations for cargo operations in India.
In addition to the actual incident, the case has rekindled discussion over the usage of aging airplanes in the freight industry. Some cargo carriers, according to experts, depend on older aircraft that have been removed from passenger service, which many need more frequent maintenance to guarantee safety.
In order to prevent such incidents, stakeholders are urging stricter regulation, improved safety inspections, and required recurring engine overhauls as India develops into a major air cargo centre.
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