Caught on Camera: Indigo Flight’s Close Call While Attempting to Land at Chennai Airport Battered by Cyclone Fengal | Watch
As Cyclone Fengal unleashed its fury across Tamil Nadu and Puducherry on November 30, 2024, a viral video captured a heart-stopping moment at Chennai International Airport. An IndiGo flight from Mumbai to Chennai attempted to land amid intense turbulence caused by gusty winds and torrential rain. Inches away from the runway, the plane alarmingly tilted to the left, prompting the pilots to abort the landing in a maneuver known as a “go-around.”
The video, which has garnered over 100,000 views, shows the aircraft’s landing attempt as Cyclone Fengal approached landfall. IndiGo confirmed that the go-around was a standard safety protocol performed when a safe landing cannot be ensured. “Our cockpit crew of flight 6E 683 executed the maneuver in accordance with established safety protocols,” IndiGo stated, emphasizing the professionalism and extensive training of its pilots.
The dramatic event occurred shortly before Chennai airport suspended operations, following consultations with the Airports Authority of India (AAI). Operations remained halted until 4 a.m. on December 1, allowing for safe management of the cyclone’s impact. Cyclone Fengal’s landfall caused heavy rain and widespread flooding across northern Tamil Nadu, leaving parts of Chennai waterlogged. Tragically, at least three fatalities were reported due to rain-related incidents.
Challenging conditions at Chennai International airport as cyclone Fengal makes landfall near Puducherry and is likely to cross the Tamil Nadu coasts in the next three to four hours.
— Breaking Aviation News & Videos (@aviationbrk) November 30, 2024
The cyclonic storm brought heavy rains in the coastal districts, inundating houses and… pic.twitter.com/1AUohfWfB9
Aviation enthusiasts and passengers alike shared mixed reactions to the video. While some criticized the decision to attempt a landing, others lauded the pilots for their quick thinking and skill. “That was a split-second decision, and it’s clear why pilots are extensively trained,” one user commented.
The IndiGo flight eventually landed safely at 12:40 p.m., just before the airport’s closure. This incident highlights the immense challenges faced by airline crews during extreme weather events and underscores the importance of established safety protocols.
Meanwhile, the Indian Army and National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) began relief operations early on December 1, assisting those affected by the cyclone’s aftermath. The India Meteorological Department has reported that Cyclone Fengal has now weakened into a deep depression, offering some relief to the storm-battered region.
