Passengers travelling on an IndiGo flight from Vadodara to Delhi experienced a stressful situation on Sunday night after a sudden power failure affected the aircraft before departure. The IndiGo flight blackout left passengers sitting in complete darkness without air conditioning for almost 30 minutes.
The incident happened on IndiGo flight 6E 657, which was scheduled to leave Vadodara at 8:40 pm on May 17, 2026. Around 160 passengers had already boarded the aircraft when the technical problem occurred.
What Caused the IndiGo Flight Blackout?
According to airport officials, the aircraft was connected to a Ground Power Unit (GPU) at the airport when the issue happened. A GPU is used to provide electricity to aircraft while they are parked at the gate.
The system suddenly stopped working before take-off, cutting off electricity inside the aircraft. Because of the failure, cabin lights and air conditioning stopped functioning immediately.
Passengers remained seated inside the plane during the entire disruption. Reports said the cabin became extremely uncomfortable as there was no cooling system running.
Cabin Left in Darkness
During the IndiGo flight blackout, passengers had to sit in a dark cabin for nearly half an hour. Airport officials said engineers worked quickly to solve the technical problem. It reportedly took around 12 to 15 minutes to repair the fault. Another 15 minutes were needed to restore full power to the aircraft.
An airport official explained that the cabin remained completely dark during this period. Since the AC was not working, passengers also faced heat and discomfort while waiting inside the plane.
Vadodara Delhi Flight Delayed by More Than One Hour
The technical issue caused a major delay for the Vadodara Delhi flight. Flight tracking data showed that the aircraft finally departed at around 10 pm instead of its scheduled departure time of 8:40 pm.
This means the IndiGo flight was delayed by nearly 1 hour and 20 minutes. Despite the delay, the aircraft later continued its journey safely to Delhi after the issue was resolved.
IndiGo Responds to the Technical Problem
After the incident, IndiGo released an official statement regarding the delay and the technical snag. The airline said that IndiGo flight 6E 657 from Vadodara to Delhi was delayed because of a technical issue connected to the aircraft. The company added that its technical team fixed the problem quickly and allowed the aircraft to continue its journey soon after.
IndiGo also stated that passengers were regularly informed about the situation during the delay. The airline said its staff tried their best to reduce passenger discomfort. The company apologised for the inconvenience caused to travellers and thanked them for their patience and cooperation.
Passenger Safety Remains Priority
In its statement, IndiGo said the safety and comfort of passengers and crew members remain its highest priority. Airlines usually follow strict safety procedures whenever a technical problem is reported before take-off. Even minor electrical issues are checked carefully before the aircraft is cleared for departure.
What Is a Ground Power Unit (GPU)?
A Ground Power Unit, commonly known as a GPU, is an important piece of airport equipment used to supply electricity to aircraft while they are parked.
Instead of running the aircraft engines, the GPU powers important systems such as:
- Cabin lights
- Air conditioning
- Aircraft electronics
- Communication systems
Using a GPU helps save fuel and reduces unnecessary engine operation while passengers board the aircraft. In this case, the GPU developed a technical fault, which resulted in the IndiGo flight blackout before take-off.
Passengers Face Discomfort During Delay
Although the problem was fixed within about 30 minutes, passengers reportedly faced an uncomfortable experience inside the aircraft. With no lights and no air conditioning, the cabin became hot and uncomfortable. However, there were no reports of injuries or panic during the incident. Engineers restored the electrical supply before the flight finally departed for Delhi.
The incident highlights how even small technical issues at airports can lead to delays and inconvenience for passengers. Airlines and airport staff often work together quickly to resolve such situations while ensuring passenger safety is not compromised.
