Key Points
- IndiGo flight 6E 6313 from Raipur to Delhi was forced to abort landing due to a sudden, severe dust storm with wind speeds reaching 80 km/h at Delhi airport.
- The pilot made a split-second decision to pull up and circle the airport, ensuring passenger safety until conditions improved.
- Passengers experienced panic but were reassured by regular pilot announcements; the plane landed safely after weather conditions stabilized.
- The crew and pilot are being widely praised for their professionalism and quick thinking, averting a potential disaster.
- Earlier in the week, another IndiGo flight from Delhi to Srinagar also faced severe weather and was denied entry into Pakistani airspace, requiring a route change before landing safely.
New Delhi: Passengers aboard IndiGo flight 6E 6313 from Raipur to Delhi experienced tense moments on Saturday evening when a sudden and intense dust storm swept across Delhi just as the aircraft was about to land. The storm, with wind speeds reaching a dangerous 80 kilometers per hour, drastically reduced runway visibility and created hazardous landing conditions.
Sudden Weather Change Causes Mid-Air Emergency
The flight, which departed Raipur on schedule, was on final approach to Indira Gandhi International Airport when the weather rapidly deteriorated. As the aircraft descended to just a few meters above the runway, the cockpit crew was confronted with near-zero visibility and fierce crosswinds.
Recognizing the risk, the pilot immediately aborted the landing, climbing to a safe altitude and initiating a holding pattern above the airport. The aircraft circled the skies for several minutes, awaiting a break in the weather. Throughout the ordeal, the pilot made regular announcements to keep passengers calm and informed, assuring them that safety was the top priority.
Crew’s Quick Thinking Averts Disaster
Aviation experts and passengers alike have praised the crew’s decision to delay the landing. Attempting to land in such extreme weather could have led to a catastrophic accident. The pilot’s composure and adherence to safety protocols ensured that all 180 passengers and crew remained unharmed.
Eventually, as the dust storm subsided and visibility improved, the IndiGo flight was cleared for a safe landing. Passengers, visibly relieved, applauded the crew and many personally thanked the pilot and airline staff for their professionalism and care.
Earlier Incident: Delhi-Srinagar Flight Faces Weather and Airspace Hurdles
This incident comes just days after another IndiGo flight (6E-214) from Delhi to Srinagar encountered severe weather and hailstorm en route. The situation was further complicated when Lahore Air Traffic Control, following a NOTAM from Pakistan’s aviation authorities, denied the aircraft permission to use Pakistani airspace. The flight was rerouted and eventually landed safely in Srinagar, highlighting the multiple challenges airlines face during the volatile summer weather season.
A sudden dust storm in Delhi forced an IndiGo flight from Raipur to abort its landing and circle the airport until conditions improved, with the pilot and crew earning widespread praise for their calm and decisive actions. The incident underscores the unpredictable challenges of monsoon-season flying and the critical importance of experienced flight crews in ensuring passenger safety.
