Prime Minister Narendra Modi's travel plans in West Bengal faced an unexpected hurdle on Friday, December 20, 2025, when his official helicopter was grounded at Kolkata's Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose International Airport, commonly known as Dum Dum Airport. The cause was an unseasonal and dense blanket of fog that severely reduced visibility, making it unsafe for the VVIP aircraft to take off.
Flight Plan Disrupted by Weather
The Prime Minister was scheduled to fly from the airport to address a significant political gathering in the state's Nadia district. The event, a 'Parivartan Sankalp Sabha' (Transformation Pledge Assembly) organized by the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), was a key part of the party's outreach in West Bengal. However, the adverse weather conditions forced a last-minute change in plans.
Security and aviation personnel at the airport were compelled to hold the helicopter on the ground as a standard safety protocol. The Indian Air Force (IAF), which manages the VVIP flight, strictly adheres to regulations that prohibit flying in low-visibility conditions to ensure the utmost safety of the passengers and crew.
Swift Contingency Measures Activated
Faced with the aerial delay, the Prime Minister's security detail and state authorities swiftly activated a contingency plan. To avoid a complete disruption of his schedule, PM Modi opted for an alternative mode of transport. He proceeded to travel to the rally venue by road, utilizing a secured convoy.
This road journey, while ensuring his attendance, inevitably caused a delay in the start time of the much-anticipated public meeting. The BJP's organizational teams on the ground managed the large crowd that had gathered, keeping them informed about the revised timings due to the unforeseen weather disruption.
Broader Implications and Reactions
The incident highlights the logistical challenges that can arise during intense political campaigning, especially in the winter months when fog can play spoilsport. It also underscores the robust and flexible security protocols that are in place for the country's top leadership, capable of adapting to sudden changes.
The BJP's 'Parivartan Sankalp Sabha' in Nadia is a critical event in the party's strategy for West Bengal. Despite the delayed arrival, Prime Minister Modi addressed the rally, focusing on the central government's development schemes and the BJP's vision for the state. The incident, however, served as a talking point, emphasizing the leader's determination to reach his supporters despite natural obstacles.
Aviation experts noted that such delays, while inconvenient, are not uncommon during the winter season in parts of North and East India. The safety of flight operations always takes precedence over schedule. The incident at Dum Dum Airport concluded without any other complication once visibility improved later in the day.
