IndiGo grounds three A320 Neo planes over engine-failure

Low-cost airline IndiGo has withdrawn three A320 neo aircraft from service effective from February 9, 2018.

According to a statement released by IndiGo, the airline has withdrawn its three A320 neo aircraft due to engine failure. The grounded aircraft are manufactured by Pratt & Whitney engines. "We confirm of receiving the recommendations by Pratt & Whitney as well as EASA (European Aviation Safety Regulator) with respect to the A320neo aircraft powered by PW1100G - JM engines. We have three aircraft with the particular engine configuration which has been flagged by EASA", the statement from IndiGo said.

"The move comes after the EASA observed several occurrences of engine in-flight shutdown (IFSD) and Rejected Take-Off (RTO) involving A320neo family aeroplanes," India's aviation regulator Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) said in a separate statement.

IndiGo, owned by InterGlobe Aviation Ltd, said that it is in contact with Pratt & Whitney to address the results of a recent finding.

"Our precautionary measure of grounding the three aircraft resulted in cancellations of some of our flights. But we feel it was the best decision in the interest of our safe and reliable operations. Safety of aircraft, passenger and crew at IndiGo is of the highest priority and at no time it can be compromised with", IndiGo further said.

Meanwhile affected IndiGo passengers have been accommodated in other connections and flights of other airlines, the airline said, adding that passengers have also been given choice of full refund as well.