IndiGo Flight Diverted to Imphal After Dust Storm Hits Dibrugarh Airport
In a dramatic turn of events, an IndiGo flight carrying 144 passengers was forced to divert to Imphal on Sunday after a severe dust storm drastically reduced visibility at Dibrugarh Airport, making landing conditions unsafe. The crew made a swift decision to reroute the aircraft to the nearest viable alternative, ensuring the safety of all on board.
Flight Details and Timeline of Events
Flight 6E-6457 was operating on the Ahmedabad to Dibrugarh route with a stopover in Guwahati. It departed from Lokpriya Gopinath Bordoloi International Airport in Guwahati at 10:20 am and was scheduled to land at Dibrugarh airport at 11:15 am. However, as the aircraft approached its destination, a heavy dust storm engulfed the area, significantly lowering visibility well below the minimum safety thresholds required for a secure landing.
With the situation on the ground posing a high risk, the crew acted promptly to divert the flight to Bir Tikendrajit International Airport in Imphal, Manipur. This airport was identified as the nearest location where safe landing conditions prevailed, allowing for a controlled and secure touchdown.
Official Confirmation and Safety Protocols
Dibrugarh airport director Bangajit Saha confirmed the sequence of events, emphasizing that the crew followed established aviation safety protocols. “The safety of our passengers and the integrity of aircraft operations are our topmost priorities,” Saha stated. “Visibility levels at Dibrugarh airport were below the minimum safe requirements at the time. With poor visibility persisting, the crew decided to divert to Imphal airport as the nearest viable alternative.”
This diversion, while causing inconvenience for passengers, was a critical measure to prevent any potential hazards. The aircraft remained at Imphal while airport authorities in Dibrugarh closely monitored weather conditions. As the dust storm gradually subsided and visibility improved to acceptable levels, clearance was granted for the flight to return.
Safe Return and Schedule Impact
Eventually, the flight made its way back to Dibrugarh and landed safely at 1:20 pm, approximately two hours behind its original schedule. This delay, though significant, was a small price to pay for ensuring the well-being of all 144 passengers and crew members. The incident highlights the importance of proactive decision-making in aviation safety, especially in regions prone to sudden environmental challenges like dust storms.
This event serves as a reminder of the unpredictable nature of weather and the critical role of airport authorities and flight crews in managing such emergencies. Passengers were safely transported to their intended destination, albeit with a minor delay, underscoring the effectiveness of safety protocols in place.
