A Leh-bound SpiceJet flight carrying around 150 passengers returned to Delhi shortly after takeoff on Tuesday morning following a suspected engine-related technical malfunction. The aircraft landed safely, and all passengers were disembarked without incident.The Boeing 737 aircraft, operating flight SG121 from Delhi to Leh, turned back to the national capital minutes after departure as the crew detected a possible issue during the climb, according to initial information.
Sources said the aircraft suffered an engine issue, with preliminary inputs indicating that the problem may have been linked to the second engine. Sparks and flames were reportedly seen mid-air, though officials are yet to confirm the exact nature of the malfunction.When contacted, a SpiceJet spokesperson said a flight operating from Delhi to Leh on Tuesday returned to Delhi after experiencing a technical issue.normally," the spokesperson said in a statement. According to the spokesperson, there was no fire warning in the cockpit.Further official details regarding the incident are awaited. The aircraft has been withdrawn for inspection, the airline added. Alternative arrangements for passengers were being made.Today's incident comes four months after a SpiceJet flight from Mumbai to Kolkata made an emergency landing in November 2025 due to an engine technical snag during descent, with all passengers safe.