[imagesource:youtube]

A dramatic video of an IndiGo flight aborting its landing at Chennai International Airport in the midst of Cyclone Fengal’s fury has gone viral, sparking a flurry of online chatter.

But before rumours could spread further, the airline stepped in with a clarification.

According to IndiGo, flight 6E 683, coming in from Mumbai on November 30, attempted to land amid some pretty nasty weather. When the conditions proved too risky, the crew executed a go-around, as per standard safety procedures.

In its statement, the airline stressed that this decision was in full accordance with established safety protocols, ensuring the manoeuvre was both necessary and routine given the circumstances.

The viral video captures the intense moment as the IndiGo plane battles crosswinds and turbulence on its approach to the runway. After a brief touchdown, the pilot swiftly aborts the landing, pulling the plane back into the air to ensure the safety of both passengers and crew.

Challenging conditions at Chennai International airport as cyclone Fengal makes landfall near Puducherry and is likely to cross the Tamil Nadu coasts in the next three to four hours.

The cyclonic storm brought heavy rains in the coastal districts, inundating houses and… pic.twitter.com/1AUohfWfB9

— Breaking Aviation News & Videos (@aviationbrk) November 30, 2024

Here is the close call again from another angle:

IndiGo further clarified that such manoeuvres are standard and the pilots are properly trained to handle such situations.

“This is a standard and safe manoeuvre, and our pilots are extensively trained to handle such situations with the utmost professionalism,” said IndiGo.

“A go-around is performed when a safe landing cannot be achieved, as was the case with this flight. We would like to reaffirm our commitment to the safety of our passengers, aircraft, and crew members,” added the airline.

Meanwhile, the airport had temporarily suspended operations on Saturday due to strong winds and heavy rainfall caused by cyclones. Airlines had issued travel advisories and updated their flight schedules in response to the continuous downpours in Tamil Nadu. Several passengers experienced delays, with many stranded at the airport for 8 to 10 hours due to the sudden cancellation of flights.

Flight operations finally resumed early on Sunday morning after Cyclone Fengal crossed the North Tamil Nadu and Puducherry coasts.

Fengal brought the highest 24-hour rainfall seen in 30 years to Puducherry, before weakening to a normal low-pressure weather system by Monday morning. The death toll reportedly reached 20 on Monday as downpours and flooding followed the storm’s wake after its winds calmed, per eNCA.

[source:economictimes]