Chennai Airport (India), September 25, 2024 – A Dubai-bound Emirates flight from Chennai International Airport experienced a significant delay on Tuesday night after smoke was detected coming from the aircraft’s wing and tail portions. The incident occurred shortly before the flight was scheduled to take off, resulting in immediate action from airport authorities and a delay in the flight’s departure.
The flight, EK547, carrying 280 passengers, was originally set to depart for Dubai at 10:00 PM. However, at approximately 9:15 PM, during the refueling process, thick smoke began to emanate from near the tail section of the plane, causing alarm among the crew and passengers. A video circulating on social media showed smoke billowing from both the wing and tail portions of the aircraft, further escalating the situation.
According to airport officials, the flight crew quickly alerted ground staff, and fire tenders were dispatched to the scene. The fire was brought under control within 10 minutes, and technical experts conducted a thorough inspection of the aircraft. Passengers, who had begun boarding, were promptly escorted back to the terminal for safety reasons, while airport officials worked diligently to resolve the issue.
The incident is believed to have been caused by excess fuel loaded into the aircraft. This led to the smoke being generated from the auxiliary power unit (APU), a critical part of the aircraft's engine system. The engineering team on the ground, along with airline personnel, worked to offload the surplus fuel and inspect the aircraft. The Bureau of Civil Aviation Security (BCAS) also conducted a safety check before giving clearance for the flight to continue its journey.
In a statement, an Emirates spokesperson confirmed the technical fault, stating, “Emirates flight EK547 from Chennai to Dubai on September 24, 2024, was delayed due to a technical issue. Following a comprehensive engineering inspection, the aircraft was cleared for departure. We apologize for the inconvenience caused to our passengers, and their safety remains our top priority”.
After receiving all necessary clearances, the flight finally departed at 12:40 AM, about two and a half hours later than its scheduled time.
Passengers on board expressed both relief and frustration. While they appreciated the swift response by the airport and airline staff, the sudden delay disrupted travel plans for many. "It was tense for a while, but the crew handled everything professionally", one passenger remarked.
This incident highlights the importance of stringent safety protocols in the aviation industry. Despite the minor scare, Emirates reassured passengers that their safety measures are of the highest standard, ensuring that such technical issues are resolved efficiently without compromising passenger security.
The incident has been logged for further investigation, and detailed reports are awaited to determine the exact cause of the technical fault that led to the smoke emission.
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