LUCKNOW: IndiGo flight 6E6497, which was operating from Delhi to Patna and piloted by Member of Parliament Rajiv Pratap Rudy alongside co-pilot Rajiv Mishra, was diverted to Chaudhary Charan Singh International Airport on Wednesday night. The diversion was necessitated by worsening weather conditions and severe turbulence in Patna.
Safe Landing and Passenger Reactions
The aircraft landed safely in Lucknow at 10:49 PM, carrying 181 passengers and six crew members. Following the landing, three passengers chose to disembark from the flight. Videos that went viral on social media showed Rajiv Pratap Rudy addressing and consoling passengers after the diversion. Many passengers were visibly anxious after experiencing heavy turbulence during the journey. Rudy reassured them about their safety and the professionalism of the crew.
Reassurance from the Pilot
In an announcement made over the flight's public address system, Rudy urged passengers to remain calm, stating that they were "absolutely in safe hands." He explained that the diversion was a routine operational decision taken in the interest of passenger safety and that such situations occasionally arise due to adverse weather conditions. Rudy also informed passengers that once the weather improved, the aircraft would refuel and continue its journey to Patna. He invited passengers to applaud the safe landing, praising the aircraft, the crew, and the passengers for their patience. "You can clap now, because you've landed safely," he said with a smile.
Precautionary Measure and Subsequent Departure
Air traffic control sources described the landing of the Patna-bound aircraft in Lucknow as a precautionary measure due to bad weather. The flight later departed for Patna at 12:30 AM. This incident highlights the importance of safety protocols in aviation, especially during adverse weather conditions.
