An IndiGo flight, 6E 6313, en route from Raipur to Delhi, encountered significant turbulence on Sunday evening due to a sudden dust storm, prompting the pilot to abort the initial landing attempt at Indira Gandhi International Airport (IGIA).
The aircraft, which had descended to near touchdown, had to climb back to a safer altitude as wind speeds reached up to 80 km/h . The pilot announced the discontinuation of the approach until the weather conditions improved. The dust storm, accompanied by light rain, affected parts of Delhi and the National Capital Region (NCR), aligning with forecasts from the India Meteorological Department (IMD). The IMD had predicted showers and strong winds, with wind speeds ranging from 30–40 km/h, gusting up to 50 km/h. The adverse weather conditions led to the diversion of several flights and delays at IGIA. Sources indicated that flights to Chandigarh, Amritsar, and Jaipur were among those diverted between 5:00 PM and 5:30 PM. Flight tracking website Flightradar24.com reported that over 350 flights were delayed at the airport on Sunday.
The IMD attributed the weather activity to an east-southeastward moving cloud cluster, which contributed to the dust storm and subsequent rainfall in the region. The storm led to a significant drop in temperature, cooling the city by 6°C, and caused disruptions in various sectors, including transportation and power supply. The IMD has issued an orange alert for the coming days, indicating the likelihood of severe weather, including heavy rainfall, thunderstorms, and winds reaching up to 70 km/h. Residents have been advised to stay alert and take necessary precautions during this period of intensified weather activity. The incident highlights the challenges faced by aviation operations during adverse weather conditions. Pilots and air traffic controllers are trained to make quick decisions to ensure passenger safety, including aborting landings when necessary. While such occurrences are relatively rare, they underscore the importance of adhering to safety protocols and the need for continuous monitoring of weather conditions to mitigate risks associated with turbulent weather.
As climate change contributes to the increasing frequency and intensity of extreme weather events, airports and airlines are investing in advanced weather forecasting systems and infrastructure to enhance resilience and minimize disruptions. Passengers are encouraged to stay informed about flight statuses and weather updates, especially during periods of adverse weather, to ensure safe and timely travel.
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