Change engines of 16 A320Neo within 15 days or face action: DGCA to IndiGo

IndiGo has been instructed by the civil aviation regulator to change engines on 16 of its Airbus A320neos, following three instances of aircraft turning back. The regulator has warned the airline the aircraft would have to be grounded if the changes are not completed in the next 15 days.

IndiGo has a fleet of 245, including 89 A320neos. These are powered by Pratt & Whitney (PW) engines and have been facing low-pressure turbine issues, main gearbox failure, and engine vibration, resulting in schedule disruptions. While modifications have been carried out, the regulator wants IndiGo to take more steps.

“We have decided that all aircraft with unmodified LPT engines, which have clocked more than 2,900 hours, have to be fitted with one modified LPT engine in the next 15 days,” said Director General of Civil Aviation Arun Kumar.