Fly91 Flight Diverted to Bengaluru After Weather Prevents Hubballi Landing
In a tense aviation incident, a Fly91 flight operating from Hyderabad to Hubballi was forced to divert to Bengaluru on Sunday after adverse weather conditions made landing impossible at its intended destination. Airport officials confirmed that all 22 passengers on board were reported safe, though the ordeal sparked significant panic during the extended airborne period.
Extended Airborne Duration Causes Passenger Distress
The flight, which had departed Hyderabad at approximately 3:30 PM and was scheduled to land in Hubballi around 4:30 PM, remained airborne for nearly three hours due to the diversion. According to sources, the aircraft initially circled over Hubballi for close to an hour as pilots awaited improvement in weather conditions. During this time, some passengers became visibly anxious, with reports indicating a few were in tears and praying for safety as the situation unfolded.
"Due to bad weather, the flight from Hyderabad to Hubballi was diverted to Bengaluru," an airport official stated, emphasizing that such diversions represent a standard safety protocol in aviation. "This is general practice. Aircraft circle in the air for some time waiting for the weather to improve. It is the pilot's decision," the official added, highlighting the operational procedures followed during unstable meteorological conditions.
Safe Landing and Subsequent Return Journey
The aircraft eventually made a safe landing in Bengaluru at around 6:30 PM. After weather conditions improved, the flight later operated back to Hubballi at approximately 11 PM, completing its originally intended route. Officials confirmed the passenger count remained at 22 throughout the incident, with no injuries reported despite the stressful circumstances.
Weather-Related Disruptions Impact Regional Aviation
Aviation authorities noted that such weather-related diversions are becoming increasingly common in the region, with similar incidents affecting other flights. For instance, a separate flight from Mumbai to Kolhapur was recently diverted to Goa due to adverse weather conditions. These disruptions underscore the challenges faced by regional aviation during periods of poor visibility and unstable atmospheric conditions.
Authorities reiterated that passenger safety always takes precedence over schedule adherence, with pilots and air traffic controllers following strict protocols to ensure secure operations. The incident serves as a reminder of the unpredictable nature of weather and the importance of robust safety measures in commercial aviation.
