A video capturing an IndiGo flight aborting its landing at Chennai International Airport amid turbulent weather ahead of Cyclone Fengal’s landfall has gone viral, prompting the airline to address the incident and reaffirm its safety protocols.
The incident occurred on November 30 when flight 6E 683, en route from Mumbai to Chennai, faced challenging weather conditions during its approach. According to IndiGo, the cockpit crew executed a go-around, a standard aviation procedure, after an initial attempt to land in adverse weather.
“The manoeuvre was conducted following established safety protocols,” the airline said in a statement. The video shows the aircraft struggling with crosswinds and turbulence during its descent. After briefly touching the runway, the pilot aborted the landing and ascended again to prioritize the safety of passengers and crew.
IndiGo emphasized that go-arounds are standard practice when safe landing conditions cannot be guaranteed. “Our pilots are well-trained for such scenarios,” the airline stated. “We reaffirm our commitment to the safety of our passengers, aircraft, and crew members.”
Cyclone Fengal Disrupts Chennai Operations
The aborted landing occurred as Chennai International Airport faced disruptions due to Cyclone Fengal, which brought heavy rains and strong winds to the region. Flight operations were temporarily suspended on November 30 as the cyclone neared landfall on the North Tamil Nadu and Puducherry coasts.
Operations resumed early Sunday morning after the cyclone moved inland, but not before causing significant delays and cancellations. Many passengers experienced disruptions, with some stranded at the airport for 8-10 hours due to flight schedule changes. Airlines had issued advisories, urging travelers to stay updated on flight statuses amid the weather challenges.
Viral Video Sparks Discussion
The viral video has sparked widespread attention online, with many viewers praising the pilot’s decision to prioritize safety over completing the landing. Aviation experts and frequent flyers highlighted the importance of such protocols in ensuring passenger security.
Chennai airport authorities have since reported normal operations, with airlines working to clear backlogs and accommodate affected passengers. Cyclone Fengal, while causing temporary disruptions, highlighted the preparedness of aviation professionals to manage extreme weather events.
This incident underscores the critical role of safety protocols in aviation and the resilience of airport operations during adverse conditions. For passengers, it served as a reminder of the complexities and precautions involved in air travel during severe weather.
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