IndiGo flight faces close call, aborts landing amid cyclone at Chennai Airport | Watch

An IndiGo Airbus A320 neo flight experienced a critical situation while attempting to land at Chennai International Airport amid severe weather conditions caused by Cyclone Fengal. The flight, 6E-683, was traveling from Mumbai to Chennai when, just moments before touchdown, the pilot aborted the landing. The plane’s wheels were inches from the runway when the crew initiated a “go-around,” a maneuver in which the aircraft regains altitude instead of attempting a potentially unsafe landing. The decision was made due to the adverse weather, including crosswinds, heavy rain, and reduced visibility.

Cyclone Fengal made landfall near Puducherry, impacting the southern Tamil Nadu region. The storm brought intense rainfall, flooding, and strong winds to the area. Chennai Airport was significantly affected by the cyclone’s impact, with two runways and a taxiway inundated due to the heavy rains. Airport authorities temporarily suspended operations as a result of the weather conditions, including flooding and poor visibility. The suspension of operations lasted until 4 AM on December 1, and several flights were delayed or canceled during this period.

In line with standard aviation safety procedures, the IndiGo flight’s crew followed established protocols by aborting the landing attempt. The “go-around” maneuver is commonly used when the conditions do not permit a safe landing. IndiGo confirmed that the pilot and crew acted in accordance with safety regulations to ensure the safety of the passengers and the aircraft. The airline emphasized that the pilots are trained to handle such situations with professionalism and expertise.

Chennai Airport resumed operations after the storm weakened, though disruptions continued throughout the morning. A total of 55 flights were canceled, and 19 flights were diverted due to the storm’s effects on airport infrastructure. Additionally, over 25 international flights were delayed. Passengers were advised to check with their airlines regarding updated flight schedules. The airport's operations were affected not only by the weather but also by the flooding that impacted the runway and taxiway conditions.

Cyclone Fengal caused widespread damage across the Tamil Nadu and Puducherry regions, leading to significant flooding in several areas. The storm had a slow-moving path, remaining stationary over the north Tamil Nadu coast for several hours. This prolonged exposure to intense weather resulted in damage to infrastructure, with homes and hospitals flooded. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) reported that Fengal had moved southwestward at a slow pace, with the storm expected to weaken into a deep depression as it continued westward. Relief efforts were initiated by the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) and the Indian Army to assist affected communities.

An IndiGo flight narrowly avoided disaster at Chennai Airport as Cyclone Fengal hit, aborting landing just inches from the runway. The storm caused flooding, delays, and cancellations, affecting dozens of flights.#CycloneFengal #IndiGo #ChennaiAirport #Storm #Flight #Weather pic.twitter.com/tceugkgziS

— Taaza TV (@taazatv) December 1, 2024