An Air India Express flight bound for the national capital was forced to make an unexpected landing in Ahmedabad in the early hours of the morning. The diversion was a direct consequence of the thick blanket of fog enveloping Delhi, which severely reduced visibility and made landing unsafe.
Flight Details and Unscheduled Diversion
The aircraft, operating a red-eye service from Goa to Delhi, had departed from Goa's Mopa Airport at 11:55 PM. It was scheduled to arrive at Delhi's Indira Gandhi International (IGI) Airport, Terminal 1, by 2:35 AM. However, as it approached Delhi, pilots were confronted with challenging foggy conditions, a common winter woe in North India.
Following established safety protocols, the decision was taken to divert the flight away from its intended destination. The plane was subsequently rerouted to Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport in Ahmedabad, Gujarat.
Why Ahmedabad, Not Jaipur?
Interestingly, the flight was not sent to Jaipur's airport, which is often a primary alternate for Delhi-bound flights during such disruptions. Reports confirmed that Jaipur Airport was already congested at the time. Several other flights diverted from Delhi due to the same foggy conditions had already filled up the available capacity there, making Ahmedabad the next viable option.
Broader Impact of Winter Fog
This incident highlights the significant operational challenges faced by airlines and airports across North India during the winter season. Dense fog frequently leads to:
- Flight diversions to alternate cities.
- Major delays and schedule disruptions.
- Congestion at alternate airports like Jaipur.
- Inconvenience for hundreds of passengers.
Passengers on the diverted flight faced extended travel times and uncertainty until arrangements could be made for their onward journey to Delhi once conditions improved. Airlines typically work to accommodate affected passengers on the next available flights once fog clears, usually by late morning.
