An Air India Express flight IX1014, en route from Delhi to Patna on June 21, 2025, was diverted to Varanasi due to adverse weather conditions in Patna. According to officials, the flight later successfully landed in Patna once the weather improved. Air India Express has acknowledged the inconvenience caused to passengers due to circumstances beyond their control.
Reports indicate that the flight, carrying approximately 170 passengers, was unable to land at Patna Airport as scheduled at 5:40 PM due to heavy rainfall and low visibility. The pilot circled the airport three times before deciding to divert to Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh, following communication with Air Traffic Control (ATC). The sudden change in weather conditions, including dark clouds and heavy rain, significantly reduced visibility, making it unsafe for landing.
Passengers on the flight experienced distress due to the abrupt change in plans. Simultaneously, approximately 150 passengers were stranded at Patna Airport, awaiting the same aircraft for its return journey to Delhi. They were informed that the flight would depart for Delhi within half an hour of its arrival from Varanasi.
As of Saturday evening, Patna is experiencing mostly cloudy weather with a 75% chance of rain during the day and a 45% chance of scattered thunderstorms at night. The temperature is expected to range between 83°F (28°C) and 91°F (33°C), with humidity around 80%. The forecast predicts continued heavy thunderstorms for the next several days.
This incident follows a similar event on the previous day, where an IndiGo flight from Guwahati to Chennai, carrying 168 passengers, had to make an emergency landing at Kempegowda International Airport in Bengaluru. The 'Mayday' distress call was issued by the captain due to low fuel after an aborted landing attempt in Chennai. The approach was deemed unstable, leading to a steep climb and subsequent diversion to Bengaluru.
These incidents highlight the challenges airlines face due to unpredictable weather patterns and the importance of safety protocols in ensuring passenger safety. Diversions, while inconvenient, are crucial decisions made by pilots and airlines to mitigate risks associated with adverse weather conditions or technical issues.
