In an unexpected turn of events, multiple international flights heading to Colombo were forced to change their flight paths and make unscheduled landings in South India due to adverse weather conditions.
Unexpected Diversion to Kerala
On Wednesday, November 19, 2025, two prominent international carriers found themselves altering their scheduled routes. According to ANI reports, both Turkish Airlines and Sri Lankan Airlines had to divert their Colombo-bound aircraft to Thiruvananthapuram International Airport in Kerala.
The diversion occurred during the daytime hours, with the flights originally en route to Bandaranaike International Airport in Colombo. The sudden change in plans was necessitated by deteriorating weather conditions over Sri Lanka's capital city.
Weather Conditions Force Emergency Landing
Aviation authorities confirmed that poor visibility and potentially dangerous weather patterns around Colombo made landing unsafe for the aircraft. The decision to divert was taken as a precautionary measure to ensure passenger safety.
Thiruvananthapuram Airport, being one of the major international airports in South India, served as the nearest suitable alternative for the diverted flights. The airport authorities were prepared to handle the unexpected arrivals, demonstrating the efficiency of India's aviation infrastructure.
Impact on Passengers and Airlines
Passengers aboard both flights experienced extended travel times and unexpected delays. While the diversion caused inconvenience, airline representatives emphasized that passenger safety remained the highest priority.
Both airlines are working to minimize disruption to travel schedules and are coordinating with airport authorities in both Thiruvananthapuram and Colombo to resume normal operations as soon as weather conditions improve.
This incident highlights how weather patterns can significantly impact international air travel and demonstrates the importance of having contingency plans and alternative landing options for long-haul flights.
