Flight 6E04 departed Heathrow at 20:04 GMT on 22 September en route to New Delhi. Within minutes the pilots reported a technical issue, transmitted the international emergency squawk code 7700 and began a return to the airport, landing safely at 21:23 GMT.
Aviation tracking data shows the aircraft stopped climbing at roughly 24,000 feet as it crossed the English Channel. According to the New Indian Express, the cockpit crew observed smoke on board, prompting the decision to abort the flight.
IndiGo issued a statement confirming that a technical fault was detected shortly after departure and that standard operating procedures were followed. The airline said the aircraft is now undergoing maintenance checks and will resume service once all clearances are obtained.
Passengers were offered hotel accommodation and rebooking on the next available flights, the carrier added, in an effort to minimise inconvenience.
The incident marks a rare emergency landing for the modern 787‑9 Dreamliner, and no injuries were reported among the 200‑plus occupants.