Delhi-Srinagar flight incident: What's the difference between PAN PAN and Mayday aviation emergency signals?
After the recent Indigo Delhi-Srinagar flight encountered a hailstorm mid-air, the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) stated that the crew followed all emergency procedures before declaring a 'PAN PAN' to Srinagar Air Traffic Control (ATC), and requested for RADAR vectors. The aircraft landed safely, with no injuries reported, and Auto Thrust functioning normally.
This incident prompted a closer look at the two key aviation distress signals used by pilots to convey urgency or emergency situations: PAN PAN and Mayday. What do they mean, and how are they different? Experts weigh in.
Colonel Rajgopalan, the founder of Aviation Training India, explained that Mayday is used for life-threatening emergencies, while PAN PAN indicates an urgent but 'non-life-threatening' situation. 'Mayday is reserved for the most serious emergencies where life or the safety of the aircraft is in immediate danger,' he said. 'PAN PAN is a step below Mayday and is used when something is urgent, but does not pose a direct risk to life. Both signals help pilots communicate clearly with air traffic control,' he said.
Rajagopalan also said, 'If a pilot cannot communicate with air traffic control, they can make a distress call on the VHF Guard frequency, 121.5 MHz.'
When would a pilot use Mayday?
Dhairyashil Vandekar, an aviation expert and analyst, said Mayday is used in scenarios involving 'grave and imminent danger,' such as severe aircraft malfunction (like engine failure), onboard fires, cardiac arrest, or hijacking. 'Mayday comes from the French m'aidez, which means 'help me',' he said. 'It signals that the aircraft needs immediate assistance and takes priority over all other radio communications.'
What does PAN PAN signal mean?
PAN PAN, on the other hand, is used to convey urgent situations that also require prompt attention but are not as life-threatening.
'Such situations may be created by engine failure, but without any risk of crashing or non-critical medical situations like a minor injury, illness, weather-related issues etc. PAN PAN originates from the French word 'panne' meaning 'breakdown',' said Vandekar.
How is an aviation distress call transmitted?
In emergency inflight situations, Vandekar asserted that the pilot usually transmits a message to ATC beginning with mayday or PAN PAN repeated thrice, followed by a declaration of emergency, the reason for it, and requesting priority handling and assistance. 'ATC is also informed of the aircraft call sign, type of emergency, aircraft location, and intention of the pilot, like wanting to divert or emergency services required etc,' said Vandekar.
Why correct usage matters
Experts stressed the importance of using the correct signal to avoid miscommunication and ensure the right response.
'Confusing PAN PAN with Mayday can lead to unnecessary panic, delayed response, or misallocation of resources,' said Vandekar. 'International regulations, including those by the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO), emphasise precise use of these terms to maintain safety and coordination during emergencies,' he said.
'By strictly adhering to international standards and guidelines in such situations, aircraft pilots ensure effective and flawless communication, which helps the ATC to swiftly and correctly deal with the situation to ensure the safety of passengers, crew, and aircraft,' said Vandekar.
DISCLAIMER: This article is based on information from the public domain and/or the experts we spoke to.
Jayashree Narayanan writes on fitness, health, food, culture and everything lifestyle. She is an alumnus of AJKMCRC, Jamia Millia Islamia and Kamala Nehru College, University of Delhi ... Read More
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
News18
2 days ago
- News18
Can A Bird Strike Bring Down A Plane?
Last Updated: Though 92% of bird strikes result in no significant damage, according to the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO), the remaining 8% can be catastrophic A recent bird strike involving an IndiGo flight has once again brought attention to a persistent threat in aviation, i.e. mid-air collisions between birds and airplanes. Though often overlooked, bird strikes can severely damage planes, especially during takeoff or landing when jet engines are operating at maximum power and aircraft are flying low. The latest incident occurred on Monday afternoon when a vulture struck an Airbus A320 flying from Patna to Ranchi, forcing an emergency landing at Birsa Munda Airport. While no injuries were reported, the aircraft sustained visible damage and remains under inspection. Experts warn that even a single bird can cripple an engine, and larger birds like vultures pose an even greater risk. Despite technological advances, the aviation industry continues to struggle with mitigating bird strikes – a hazard responsible for crores in annual losses and hundreds of fatalities over the past decades. So, how can something as seemingly insignificant as a bird pose such a serious danger to modern aircraft? Bird strikes aren't just freak accidents; they are a real, recurring threat in global aviation. These incidents mostly occur during takeoff or landing, when aircraft are flying at lower altitudes and birds are more commonly found in flight paths. In the recent IndiGo case, the vulture struck while the aircraft was still climbing. Though 92% of bird strikes result in no significant damage, according to the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO), the remaining 8% can be catastrophic, especially when birds are sucked into jet engines. When this happens, the consequences can be dire. The bird may shatter the engine's compressor blades, which are delicate and highly sensitive to sudden impacts. Once one blade breaks, it can send shards throughout the engine, essentially turning it into a chamber of flying shrapnel. Birds don't just bounce off planes. They can bring them down. The Bird Strike Committee USA explains the impact in brutal math. If a bird weighing 5 kgs collides with an aircraft flying at 150 miles per hour, the resulting force is equivalent to a 1,000-pound weight dropped from a height of 10 feet. And it doesn't take a massive bird to cause problems; even a 2-kilogram bird can warrant a full aircraft inspection. The danger amplifies when multiple birds are involved. A flock entering both engines can cripple an aircraft. This was precisely what happened in the famous 'Miracle on the Hudson" incident in 2009, when US Airways Flight 1549 lost both engines after a bird strike and crash-landed safely in New York's Hudson River. Globally, bird strikes result in an estimated loss of $1.2 billion annually (approximately Rs 103 billion), factoring in maintenance, delays, and insurance, according to the Bird Strike Committee USA. The damage isn't limited to engines; aircraft wings, windshields, and fuselages are also at risk. Robin Radar Systems estimates an average of $39,700 is spent on repairs per bird strike. In raw numbers, 34 bird strikes are reported every day across the world. Since 1988, over 270 aircraft have been destroyed due to bird collisions, and more than 490 people have lost their lives in related crashes up to 2023. Can Airports Keep the Birds Away? Airports do make active efforts to keep birds at bay. Many avoid planting trees nearby to reduce nesting opportunities. Some use laser deterrents, bio-acoustics (predator sounds), or even trained falcons. But as urban sprawl creeps closer to runways and climate patterns shift bird habitats, the problem is becoming harder to manage. At Purdue University in Indiana, an aviation technology professor noted that aircraft engines are, ironically, quite fragile. 'They're precision machines," he said, adding that one large bird, like a stork or vulture, can easily disrupt an entire engine system. The initial blades in a jet engine are relatively small and prone to damage. If even one breaks, it can send a chain reaction through the rest of the engine, he added. While the recent IndiGo incident ended without tragedy, it reignited concerns about a long-standing aviation hazard. The incident occurred at around 1:14 PM on Monday, June 2, shortly after the flight had taken off from Patna and was scheduled to continue to Kolkata after a brief stop in Ranchi. The IndiGo plane was flying at an altitude of 3,000 to 4,000 feet when it collided with a vulture. All passengers and crew on board were reported to be safe, but the Airbus A320 sustained visible damage. Airport Director RR Maurya confirmed that the bird strike left a visible dent in the aircraft. 'Engineers are currently assessing the extent of the damage," he said. First Published: June 05, 2025, 13:18 IST News explainers Can A Bird Strike Bring Down A Plane? | Explained
News18
2 days ago
- News18
How A Single Bird Can Cause Big Trouble For A Giant Plane Mid-Air?
Last Updated: Bird strikes, especially involving large birds, can cause significant damage to aircraft engines. Birds flying in groups pose even bigger risks. A Ranchi-bound IndiGo flight had to make an emergency landing at Birsa Munda Airport on Monday after it collided with a bird in mid-air. The incident took place around 1 PM on June 2 when the plane was flying at an altitude of around 3,000 to 4,000 feet and struck a vulture. The flight had taken off from Patna and was scheduled to head to Kolkata after stopping in Ranchi. According to officials, all passengers and crew members are safe. However, the Airbus A320 aircraft suffered damage due to the bird strike. Confirming the incident, Airport Director RR Maurya said, 'A dent was caused after the aircraft hit a vulture. Engineers are assessing the damage." Though birds seem small compared to aircraft, the damage they can cause is serious, especially if they hit sensitive parts like the engine. Experts say that bird strikes usually occur when planes are flying low – just after take-off or right before landing- when engines are running at full speed. A professor at Purdue University in Indiana, who teaches aviation technology, explained how dangerous such collisions can be. 'A large bird like a crane is far more dangerous than a small one. Jet engines are very delicate and not built to withstand such impacts. If a bird gets sucked in, it can break the engine's blades and cause major damage," he said. Birds flying in groups pose even bigger risks. The speed difference between the aircraft and the bird also increases the force of impact. Even a 5 kg bird can hit with a force equal to dropping 1,000 pounds from a height of 10 feet. To prevent such incidents, airports avoid planting trees nearby as they attract birds. Still, bird strikes cause losses of around $1.2 billion (approx. ₹103 billion) worldwide every year. According to Robin Radar Systems, each strike can cost an airline nearly $40,000 in repairs. From 1988 to 2023, over 491 people have died due to bird strike-related air crashes. First Published: June 05, 2025, 14:21 IST
India.com
2 days ago
- India.com
2,000 KM To Gaza: How Greta Thunbergs Aid Ship Became Israels Headache?
A ship transporting humanitarian supplies to Gaza has captured international attention and escalating controversy. The Madleen is the name of the ship belonging to the Freedom Flotilla Coalition (FFC) — an international human rights movement seeking to challenge the Israeli sea blockade of Gaza. This mission becomes even more high-profile with 22-year-old Swedish climate activist Greta Thunberg aboard. Mission With A Message Setting sail from Sicily's port of departure on June 1, the Madleen is attempting a 2,000-kilometer journey to the Gaza Strip. The vessel carried symbolic but essential humanitarian aid, such as flour, milk, water, medicines, baby diapers, and sanitary pads, aimed at the blockaded people in Gaza, where hunger and medical shortages have become critical. Named after Gaza's first and sole female fisherwoman, The Madleen is due to arrive by June 7 — provided it's not blocked by the Israeli navy, which has taken grave concerns about the mission. Greta Thunberg And International Activists Onboard Alongside Greta Thunberg, 11 other international human rights activists are onboard. These include: Rima Hassan – French MP Yasmine Jahr – Germany Baptiste André – France Thiago Ávila – Brazil Omar Fayad, Pascal, and Yanis Mahdi – France Suyab Ordu – Türkiye Sergio Toribio – Spain Marco van Rens – Netherlands Reva Viard – France The coalition sought to challenge peacefully what it calls Israel's illegal blockade and raise international awareness of the Gaza humanitarian crisis. Israel On Alert The Israeli army has publicly said it is keeping an eye on the development closely. Spokeswoman Efi Defrin threatened that Israel will act "according to the circumstances," which indicates that interception is very likely. This comes on the heels of a precedent established last month, when another FFC ship — the Conscience — was allegedly blown up by an Israeli drone attack on May 2. Greta Thunberg Speaks Out Speaking on the ship, Thunberg has stood up for the mission: "We are doing this because we must stand up against injustice. The moment we stop trying, we lose our humanity." Her involvement has, however, triggered intense responses on social media. Photographs and videos of Thunberg waving the Palestinian flag and shouting slogans in support of Gaza have spread on social media, triggering both commendation and reproach. A Symbolic Act Against A 17-Year Blockade Ever since 2007, Israel has maintained a naval blockade on Gaza, managing the import and export of goods and individuals. The Freedom Flotilla Coalition views their mission as a symbolic act of defiance of this blockade, which Israel has determined is both lawful and necessary to ensure national security. As The Madleen approaches Gaza, the world is watching — not so much to witness whether aid finds its way to those most in need, but to see how far activists, governments, and militaries will push each other in the battle for humanitarian access and geopolitical sway.
