Plane with Himachal Deputy CM onboard makes emergency landing in Shimla

A Dharamshala-bound Alliance Air flight carrying Himachal Pradesh Deputy Chief Minister Mukesh Agnihotri and Director General of Police (DGP) Atul Verma was forced to make an emergency landing at Shimla’s Jubbarhatti Airport due to a technical malfunction on Monday. The aircraft, a 42-seater, came to an abrupt stop mid-runway after the pilot applied emergency brakes following the detected glitch.

The incident occurred while the aircraft was preparing for takeoff, prompting the flight crew to immediately alert passengers to the emergency. The precautionary warning helped prevent panic, ensuring that all passengers remained calm during the emergency landing.

As a result of the technical failure, the Dharamshala-bound flight was cancelled, and passengers were advised to seek alternative arrangements. The affected aircraft operates on the Delhi-Shimla-Dharamshala route, a critical air corridor for travelers heading to Himachal Pradesh.

Airport authorities and technical teams immediately began inspecting the aircraft to identify the fault, ensuring that similar incidents do not occur in the future. According to sources, initial assessments indicate a possible mechanical issue that prevented the aircraft from continuing its journey safely.

Following the incident, Deputy CM Mukesh Agnihotri and DGP Atul Verma were provided with alternate transportation to reach their destination. No injuries were reported, and all passengers disembarked safely after the emergency stop.

The incident has raised concerns over the safety of flights operating on hilly terrains and smaller airports like Shimla, which already face operational challenges due to short runways and unpredictable weather conditions. Aviation authorities are expected to conduct a detailed review of the aircraft’s maintenance records and safety protocols to prevent future occurrences.