An Air India (AI) Airbus A320neo operating flight AI 2812 from Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport (BOM) to Kempegowda International Airport (BLR) declared a “PAN PAN” urgency alert shortly after takeoff when one of its engines stalled, prompting pilots to return safely to Mumbai, according to The Hindustan Times.
The flight, scheduled to depart at 02:05 AM, pushed back and took off around 02:15 AM, but returned to BOM at approximately 02:35 AM, completing an emergency turnaround in less than 20 minutes.
AI 2812: Engine Issue and PAN PAN Alert
Passengers onboard AI 2812 reported hearing a loud noise and seeing abnormal sparks from the right‑hand engine during the initial climb, consistent with an engine stall condition shortly after liftoff.
Following these signals of a serious mechanical irregularity, the flight crew declared a PAN PAN alert — a recognized international urgency call used to indicate an issue that requires priority coordination but is not immediately life‑threatening. The alert prompts air traffic control to clear priority return routing and prepare emergency services on the ground.
The anonymous official cited by local media confirmed that Engine 2 experienced the stall condition, and that the flight was safely brought back to Mumbai under standard procedures.
Response and Passenger Handling
Pilots maintained control of the Airbus A320‑251N (A320neo) — registered VT‑TNK — powered by two CFM LEAP‑1A engines, a common powerplant configuration for the type in Air India’s fleet.
Once safely on the ground at BOM, passengers were deplaned and later transferred to a replacement A320neo operated by the airline to complete their scheduled journey to BLR.
This A320neo return bears similarity to a previously reported Air India A320neo incident in 2022, when a similar aircraft suffered an engine shutdown minutes after takeoff and made an emergency return to Mumbai about 27 minutes after departure; regulators launched an investigation into that event.
What an Engine Stall Entails?
A compressor stall — the type of issue suggested by the crew’s response — involves disruption of airflow through the engine’s compressor section. This can cause loss of thrust, loud noises, and visible sparks or flames from the exhaust, even while the aircraft remains controllable with normal handling and procedures.
A PAN PAN call is deliberately less severe than a MAYDAY — the latter reserved for situations where imminent danger is expected — but both elevate the aircraft’s priority with air traffic and emergency services during a return or diversion.
All in All
In India, in‑flight anomalies like engine stalls and PAN PAN declarations are investigated under the oversight of the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA). The regulator typically reviews crew actions, aircraft maintenance history, and any operational factors that may have contributed to the event.
Air India, which recently saw its CEO resign due to many issues, one of which was safety concerns, has acknowledged the safe return and continuation of travel for affected passengers, underscoring that safety protocols were followed and that all onboard were unharmed.