Passengers onboard a Bengaluru-Bhubaneswar flight experienced tense moments on Wednesday after the aircraft was diverted to Lucknow due to severe Nor’wester weather conditions over Odisha.
According to reports, the domestic flight was scheduled to land at Biju Patnaik International Airport in Bhubaneswar. However, heavy rainfall, lightning activity and strong gusty winds linked to Nor’wester thunderstorms disrupted landing operations in the city.
The aircraft reportedly made multiple attempts to land before authorities decided to divert the flight to Lucknow as a precautionary safety measure.
Flight Later Returned Safely To Bhubaneswar
Sources said the flight remained in Lucknow temporarily until weather conditions improved in Bhubaneswar later in the night.
After Air Traffic Services (ATS) confirmed safer landing conditions, the aircraft departed from Lucknow and successfully landed at Bhubaneswar airport.
All passengers onboard were reported safe.
Panic Among Passengers During Diversion
The sudden route diversion and prolonged uncertainty reportedly caused anxiety among several passengers onboard the flight.
The incident occurred amid widespread Nor’wester thunderstorm activity across Odisha, including Bhubaneswar and Cuttack, where heavy rain and strong winds disrupted normal life on Wednesday evening.
Nor’wester Weather Impacts Odisha Air Traffic
The weather disturbance once again highlighted the impact of seasonal Nor’wester storms on flight operations in Odisha. Strong winds, reduced visibility and intense rainfall often affect aircraft landing and take-off operations during this period.
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has already issued weather alerts for multiple districts in Odisha, warning of thunderstorms, lightning and gusty surface winds over the next few days.
