An IndiGo Airbus A320 neo narrowly avoided disaster during a landing attempt at Chennai airport on Saturday evening as Cyclone Fengal wreaked havoc on the region. Adverse weather conditions caused the aircraft, operating flight 6E-683 from Mumbai to Chennai, to abort its landing attempt just moments before touchdown.
Viral Video Captures The Critical Moment
A video capturing the heart-stopping moment went viral on social media, showing the plane descending onto the runway with its wheels mere inches from the ground. In a sudden maneuver, the flight aborted the landing and ascended sharply back into the sky.
An aviation account shared the video on X (formerly Twitter), stating, “Challenging conditions at Chennai International Airport as Cyclone Fengal makes landfall near Puducherry.” The post further highlighted the heavy rains and severe weather disrupting operations in the coastal districts, including Chennai.
The video quickly garnered over 100,000 views, with mixed reactions from users. One user wrote, “Horrific decision from the pilot there, massive risk – should have gone around earlier.” Another praised the cockpit crew, saying, “That was a split-second decision, I mean, wow! That’s why they earn big bucks and deserve every penny.”
Chennai Airport Suspends Operations Amid Severe Weather
With Cyclone Fengal bringing relentless rain and high winds, Chennai airport authorities issued a Notice to Airmen (NOTAM), suspending all operations. The notice stated, “Following consultations with AAI Headquarters and considering feedback from stakeholders, it has been decided to extend the closure of operations through NOTAM until 0400 IST on 1st December 2024.”
Passengers were advised to check flight statuses with their respective airlines, as numerous flights faced delays and cancellations. Despite the chaos, the airport resumed operations early Sunday morning, with IndiGo and other airlines gradually resuming services.
IndiGo’s Official Statement On The Incident
Amid growing public attention, IndiGo released a statement addressing the viral video and the incident involving flight 6E-683. The airline spokesperson explained, “The cockpit crew executed a ‘go-around’ maneuver on November 30, adhering to established safety protocols.”
The spokesperson emphasized that the “go-around” maneuver is a standard safety procedure performed when conditions do not allow for a safe landing. “Our pilots are extensively trained to handle such situations with professionalism,” IndiGo stated, reaffirming its commitment to passenger, crew, and aircraft safety.
Cyclone Fengal’s Impact On Tamil Nadu
Cyclone Fengal made landfall on Saturday night near Puducherry and north Tamil Nadu, completing its landfall process by 2 am on Sunday. According to the India Meteorological Department (IMD), the cyclone remained stationary over north Tamil Nadu and Puducherry for nearly six hours before gradually weakening into a deep depression.
Relief Operations Kick Off
As the storm weakened, the Indian Army and the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) launched relief operations early Sunday morning. Torrential rains and severe flooding were reported across the region, with emergency services working tirelessly to assist stranded residents and restore normalcy.
Aviation Experts Praise IndiGo Crew’s Response
Aviation experts have lauded the IndiGo cockpit crew for their quick thinking and adherence to safety protocols. “The decision to abort the landing and execute a go-around demonstrated excellent situational awareness,” said an aviation analyst.
While the incident highlights the challenges pilots face during extreme weather events, it also underscores the importance of rigorous training and adherence to safety measures in ensuring passenger security.
Cyclone Fengal’s Aftermath
As Cyclone Fengal continues to weaken, its remnants are expected to bring heavy rainfall to parts of Tamil Nadu, Kerala, and Karnataka over the next few days. The IMD has warned residents in these regions to remain cautious and follow safety advisories.
Meanwhile, Chennai airport has resumed full operations, and airlines are working to address the backlog of delayed and canceled flights. Passengers are advised to stay updated on travel schedules as the region recovers from the cyclone’s impact.
Cyclone Fengal’s fury serves as a stark reminder of nature’s unpredictability and the resilience of those who navigate these challenges, whether on the ground or in the skies.