Delhi-Bound IndiGo Flight Hit by Dust Storm Turbulence, Pilot Aborts Landing in Dramatic Mid-Air Decision

A Delhi-bound IndiGo flight from Raipur experienced a heart-pounding ordeal on Sunday evening after it encountered intense turbulence triggered by a sudden dust storm over the national capital. The unexpected weather forced the pilot of flight 6E 6313 to abort landing at the last moment, prompting a mid-air go-around and a cautious wait for safer conditions before making a secure touchdown at Delhi Airport.

Eyewitness footage and videos circulating online captured the dramatic scene as the aircraft circled above the airport, battling fierce winds that reportedly peaked at 80 kmph. Passengers onboard described moments of anxiety and uncertainty, with the pilot reassuring them after the first landing attempt was called off. He explained that the aircraft had to ascend once again due to unsafe wind conditions near the runway.

This harrowing incident unfolded amidst broader weather-related disruptions across Delhi-NCR, as the region was struck by dust storms, thunderstorms, and strong gusty winds. Weather stations recorded significant wind surges — up to 65 kmph in Palam and 37 kmph in Jharoda Kalan around 4:30 pm. Safdarjung, too, faced a sudden thundersquall between 4:35 and 4:37 pm, with gusts reaching 66 kmph, further complicating flight operations.

Remarkably, this turbulence event came just days after another IndiGo flight, this time from Delhi to Srinagar, faced its own weather nightmare. That aircraft encountered violent mid-air turbulence and a hailstorm over Pathankot, leading to a dramatic plunge of 8,500 feet per minute. The crew’s request to divert through Pakistani airspace was denied by both Indian and Pakistani authorities due to ongoing diplomatic restrictions. Despite sustaining damage to its nose radome, the flight ultimately landed safely in Srinagar, thanks to the commendable efforts of the cockpit and cabin crew.

As videos and passenger testimonials continue to surface on social media, many are praising the professionalism and calm of IndiGo pilots and staff. Safety experts note that while such incidents are rare, changing climate patterns and rising instances of sudden storms over North India may be adding new challenges to routine air travel.

Passengers on the Raipur-Delhi flight later expressed relief and gratitude for the timely decisions made by the pilot. The airline, meanwhile, is expected to issue a formal statement after conducting an internal review of the events leading up to the turbulence and go-around.

With the monsoon and pre-monsoon weather patterns becoming increasingly unpredictable, aviation authorities are expected to heighten weather monitoring protocols, especially around high-traffic airports like Delhi.

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