Doha-Kathmandu flight makes emergency landing at Kolkata due to bad weather

A major scare unfolded late Saturday night as a Doha-to-Kathmandu flight, carrying over 300 passengers and crew, was forced to make an emergency landing at Kolkata International Airport. The dramatic diversion was necessitated by severely adverse weather conditions, specifically a drastic drop in visibility over the destination, Kathmandu. This incident highlights the ongoing challenges posed by erratic weather patterns in the region, particularly after Kolkata itself experienced heavy rainfall the previous night.

The flight in question, identified as QR 644, was traveling from Doha with 302 passengers and 12 cabin crew members on board. The journey proceeded smoothly until the aircraft entered Nepali airspace. Upon approaching Kathmandu, the flight crew encountered extreme meteorological hostility, with visibility plummeting to dangerous levels, making a safe landing impossible.

The challenging conditions immediately raised alarm among the flight crew, who were struggling to maintain control amidst the strong, adverse weather. After consulting with the Air Traffic Control (ATC) in Kathmandu, the pilots were advised to divert the aircraft. This decision, though necessary for safety, quickly led to intense anxiety among the passengers.

Faced with the worsening situation, the crew ultimately contacted Kolkata Airport as an alternative landing site. The Kolkata ATC swiftly approved the request, and the flight was rerouted towards the city. The aircraft successfully landed at Kolkata Airport late in the night, ending the immediate danger for those aboard.

Following the emergency landing, the aircraft was grounded at the Kolkata airport, and a period of anxious waiting began for the passengers. Airport sources confirmed that the flight remained on the tarmac for over two hours, waiting for the weather conditions to stabilize and become favorable for onward travel toward Kathmandu.