In an unexpected turn of events, a Delhi-bound IndiGo flight had to make an emergency return to Patna airport shortly after takeoff. The air traffic controller (ATC) identified technical glitches with the aircraft, prompting a safe emergency landing at the Jay Prakash Narayan International Airport in Patna. The incident involved a plane carrying 187 passengers.
Airport director Anchal Prakash stated, “It was an emergency landing. Shortly after take-off at 12.58 pm from Patna airport, the air traffic controller (ATC) contacted the pilot to return mid-air due to some technical problem.” An investigation is underway to determine the root cause of the technical issues faced by the aircraft.
In a separate development, IndiGo Airlines informed passengers about disruptions in flight operations due to adverse weather conditions and poor visibility in Varanasi, Prayagraj, Patna, and Bhopal. The airline advised travelers to check their flight status before heading to the airport.
The incident coincides with dense fog affecting flight operations in North India, causing delays and inconvenience to passengers. Union Civil Aviation Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia assured coordinated efforts with airlines to manage the impact of fog on operations.