An IndiGo flight carrying Uttar Pradesh Deputy Chief Minister Keshav Prasad Maurya and state minister Brajesh Pathak was diverted to Bhopal on Tuesday due to adverse weather conditions in Lucknow. The flight, which was en route from Delhi to Lucknow, was forced to land in the Madhya Pradesh capital as heavy rain and low visibility made it unsafe to land at the Lucknow airport.
Flight Details and Diversion
The IndiGo aircraft, operating as flight 6E 123, took off from Delhi's Indira Gandhi International Airport around 4:30 PM. It was scheduled to land in Lucknow by 5:45 PM. However, as the flight approached Lucknow, pilots encountered severe weather conditions, including heavy downpour and poor visibility. After circling for some time, the decision was made to divert to Bhopal's Raja Bhoj Airport, where the flight landed safely at approximately 6:30 PM.
Passenger Safety Priority
An IndiGo spokesperson confirmed that the diversion was a standard safety measure. "The safety of our passengers and crew is our top priority. Due to bad weather in Lucknow, the flight was diverted to Bhopal. Once weather conditions improved, the flight departed from Bhopal and reached Lucknow safely," the spokesperson said.
Deputy CM Maurya and Minister Pathak were among the passengers on board. Both leaders have been traveling frequently for political engagements. The diversion caused a delay of nearly two hours, but passengers were accommodated and the flight eventually continued to its original destination.
Weather Conditions in Lucknow
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) had issued a warning for thunderstorms and heavy rainfall in parts of Uttar Pradesh, including Lucknow. The sudden weather change impacted several flights, with some delayed and others diverted. Lucknow airport authorities advised passengers to check with their airlines for updates.
Political Reactions
Speaking to reporters after landing in Lucknow, Deputy CM Maurya thanked the airline crew for their professionalism. "It was a precautionary measure. The weather was bad, but we are safe. Such diversions are common in aviation," he said. Minister Pathak also expressed gratitude for the safe landing.
The incident comes amid heightened political activity in Uttar Pradesh, with both leaders scheduled to attend various events. Despite the delay, their itinerary was adjusted to accommodate the late arrival.
