Severe weather triggers mid-air panic on Fly91 regional flight.

Fly91 flight IC3401, traveling from Hyderabad to Hubballi, executed an emergency diversion to Bengaluru on Sunday after extreme weather conditions made landing at the destination impossible. Passengers spent nearly three and a half hours in the air, a duration significantly longer than the typical one-hour flight time, as the pilot attempted to navigate through turbulent conditions.

Visible distress filled the cabin when the aircraft began circling Hubballi for over sixty minutes. Witnesses reported scenes of emotional turmoil, with some travelers breaking into tears and others reciting prayers while the plane battled heavy winds. Despite the intense atmosphere inside the cabin, airline officials clarified that the crew followed standard operating procedures to prioritize safety over speed.

Regional aviation in India often faces such challenges during pre-monsoon transitions, where sudden thermal shifts in the Deccan Plateau lead to localized storms that can disrupt short-haul regional connectivity.

Safety Protocols Enforced

Flight IC3401 eventually touched down safely at Kempegowda International Airport at approximately 6:30 PM. Fly91 issued a formal statement dismissing rumors of a technical snag, clarifying that the deviation was purely weather-driven. They emphasised that the decision to hover and later divert is a standard precaution when visibility or wind speeds exceed safe landing limits.

Safe Arrival at Hubballi

Stranded passengers remained at the Bengaluru terminal until the weather cleared later that night. The aircraft took off again at 11:00 PM, finally delivering the 22 travelers to Hubballi before returning to its base in Hyderabad. While the experience was unsettling for those on board, airport authorities confirmed that no injuries occurred and the aircraft sustained no damage during the ordeal.

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