Bhubaneswar, May 28: A domestic flight operating from Bengaluru to Bhubaneswar was diverted to Lucknow on Wednesday evening after adverse weather conditions prevented landing at the Biju Patnaik International Airport, officials said.
The aircraft was placed in a holding pattern over Bhubaneswar for some time before air traffic control redirected it to Lucknow due to rapidly deteriorating weather conditions caused by a strong nor’wester accompanied by heavy rain and gusty winds.
After weather conditions improved later in the night, the flight resumed its journey and landed safely in Bhubaneswar. Airport and airline authorities confirmed that all passengers were safe and no injuries were reported during the diversion.
Nor’westers, locally known as “Kalbaisakhi,” are common pre-monsoon weather events in eastern India and are often associated with sudden thunderstorms, squalls, and heavy rainfall that can temporarily disrupt flight operations and other transport services.
Officials stated that standard safety protocols were followed throughout the incident, and passengers were provided necessary assistance during the diversion.
