Have you ever been on a flight and wondered what would happen in an emergency?
It’s easy to feel safe up in the air, especially when everything is calm. But sometimes, things don’t go as planned — and when that happens, the words “Pan-Pan” or “Mayday” can be the difference between life and death.
Recently, two incidents involving Indian airlines raised these exact alarms — IndiGo’s Delhi to Goa flight and Air India flight AI171 to London. If you heard about these cases and felt a little anxious, you’re not alone. But here’s the truth: these emergency codes are part of a well-organized global aviation system designed to keep you safe.
In this blog, we’ll explain the real meaning of “Pan-Pan” and “Mayday,” how they differ, and why it matters for you as a passenger. We’ll also explore the recent incidents in India that brought these terms into the spotlight.
🚨 The Problem: What Do You Do When You’re 35,000 Feet in the Air and Something Goes Wrong?
Imagine this: You’re flying high above the clouds, maybe scrolling through a movie or dozing off with your headphones on. Suddenly, you feel a jolt or see cabin crew rushing quietly. You’re not told much — but later, the news says, “Pilot declared a Mayday” or “Pan-Pan was transmitted.”
Would you panic? Would you understand what it really means?
Most people don’t — and that’s a problem. Because when you’re thousands of feet in the air, trust in the process is your only safety net. And understanding how aviation emergencies are communicated gives you confidence that the system works to protect you.
✈️ What Do “Pan-Pan” and “Mayday” Actually Mean?
Let’s decode these urgent terms.
🔊 What is “Mayday”?
“Mayday” is the international radio distress signal used only for life-threatening emergencies. It comes from the French phrase “m’aidez” (meaning “help me”).
A pilot declares “Mayday” three times — “Mayday, Mayday, Mayday” — to alert air traffic control and nearby aircraft that immediate assistance is needed because there’s serious danger to the aircraft or its passengers.
🚨 Examples of when a Mayday might be used:
- Engine failure in flight
- Fire or smoke in the cockpit or cabin
- Critical loss of fuel
- Cabin depressurization
- Medical emergency affecting the flight crew
📢 What is “Pan-Pan”?
“Pan-Pan” is a step below Mayday. It signals an urgent but non-life-threatening situation. The aircraft still needs assistance, but there’s no immediate danger to life.
It also comes from French: “panne”, meaning “breakdown”.
✈️ Examples of when a Pan-Pan might be used:
- Minor technical issue
- Sick passenger who needs medical attention
- Fuel emergency that’s not yet critical
- Navigation system failure that doesn’t stop flight
🧠 Think of it like this:
- Pan-Pan = “This is serious, but we’re okay for now.”
- Mayday = “We need help. It’s an emergency.”
📰 Recent Indian Aviation Incidents That Raised Red Flags
Let’s look at two real-life examples from India — both occurred in 2025 and made national headlines.
- IndiGo Flight 6E‑6271 (Delhi → Goa → Mumbai Diversion)
- Date: July 16, 2025
- Aircraft: Airbus A320neo
- What happened: Mid‑air engine malfunction. Pilots declared “PAN‑PAN PAN”—signaling an urgent but non life‑threatening situation—and diverted safely to Mumbai instead of Goa
- Result: Smooth emergency landing in Mumbai, no injuries.
PAN PAN was declared by Pilot.
🔴 Incident 2: Air India Flight AI171 (Ahmedabad to London)
- Air India Flight 171 (Ahmedabad → London)
- Date: June 12, 2025
- Aircraft: Boeing 787‑8 Dreamliner
- What happened: Tragically, it crashed seconds after takeoff into a medical college building near Ahmedabad Airport, killing 241 onboard and 19 people on the ground—only one survivor
- Emergency Call: A Mayday distress call was placed as both engines lost thrust due to sudden fuel cutoff—investigations are ongoing
👀 So, Why Should You Care as a Passenger?
As a traveler, you put your life in the hands of trained professionals and well-maintained machines. But knowing that there’s a tiered emergency system helps reduce fear.
Let’s break down why this matters for you.
✅ 1. It Means the Pilot Is Always in Control
Declaring Pan-Pan or Mayday is a sign of professionalism, not panic. It shows the pilot is taking every step to keep you safe.
✅ 2. It Activates a Global Response
Once declared, ATC clears airspace, prepares emergency crews, and prioritizes the flight.
✅ 3. It Keeps You Informed — Even If You Don’t Hear It Directly
Passengers may not always hear the words “Mayday” or “Pan-Pan” during a flight — but when you do see it in the news, now you’ll know what it meant.
🔍 What Does Research Say About Aviation Safety?
Let’s look at some numbers and insights from aviation data.
📊 According to the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO):
- Less than 1 in 11 million flights result in a fatal accident.
- Over 80% of aviation emergencies are handled without injury or panic.
- Emergency calls like “Mayday” and “Pan-Pan” reduce response times by up to 70%.
In short, these emergency codes are part of a well-tested safety system that works quietly behind the scenes — every time you fly.
🔐 Safety Tip for You as a Passenger
- Listen to safety instructions. It may feel repetitive, but it can save lives.
- Trust your crew. They’re trained for every situation — from turbulence to total evacuation.
- Stay calm. Most in-flight issues are resolved smoothly.
🧭 Conclusion: A Calm Sky Starts with a Clear System
Next time you hear the words “Mayday” or “Pan-Pan” in the news, don’t let fear take over. These are not signs that something went terribly wrong — they are signs that the aviation system is doing its job.
You, as a passenger, are part of one of the safest transportation systems in the world. And when pilots declare an emergency, it’s not a failure — it’s a proactive decision to protect you.
So take a deep breath next time you board a flight. You’re flying in safe hands.
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