Bengaluru: Flight diversion amid adverse weather. A flight operated by Fly91 from Hyderabad to Hubballi caused panic among passengers on Sunday after it was forced to remain airborne for an extended period due to unfavourable weather conditions.
The aircraft, which departed Hyderabad at around 3.30 pm, was originally scheduled to land in Hubballi by 4.30 pm. However, deteriorating weather conditions in the region prevented a safe landing, forcing the pilot to delay descent and assess alternatives.
Airport officials later confirmed that the flight was diverted to Bengaluru as a precautionary measure, emphasising that passenger safety remained the top priority throughout the incident.
According to sources, the aircraft hovered over Hubballi for nearly an hour as the crew waited for weather conditions to improve. When visibility and landing conditions did not stabilise, the pilot opted for diversion.
The extended time in the air led to panic among passengers. Several travellers reportedly became anxious, with some in tears and others praying for their safety during the ordeal.
There were 22 passengers on board, all of whom were reported safe. Officials reiterated that such holding patterns are a routine aviation practice when landing clearance is uncertain due to weather disruptions.
'This is standard procedure. Aircraft circle for some time before a decision is made. The final call rests with the pilot,' an airport official said.
The flight eventually landed safely in Bengaluru at around 6.30 pm after nearly three hours in the air. Following improvements in weather conditions later in the evening, the aircraft resumed its journey and departed for Hubballi at around 11 pm.
Authorities confirmed that the situation, while distressing for passengers, did not involve any technical fault or safety breach.
Officials also highlighted that the disruption was not an isolated incident. Another flight travelling from Mumbai to Kolhapur was diverted to Goa due to similar weather conditions, indicating a broader impact across the region.
Adverse weather, especially during seasonal transitions, often leads to flight delays, diversions, or holding patterns, as pilots prioritise safe landing conditions.
While the incident caused temporary panic among passengers, aviation authorities maintained that all safety protocols were followed. The safe landing in Bengaluru and subsequent continuation to Hubballi underscore the importance of precautionary measures during unpredictable weather conditions.