By A Vistara flight en route from Bhubaneswar to Delhi was forced to make an emergency landing at the Biju Patnaik International Airport shortly after take-off. The incident, attributed to windshield damage, occurred amidst adverse weather conditions prevailing over parts of Odisha.
According to initial reports, the aircraft encountered a hailstorm shortly after departure, resulting in a crack developing in its windshield. The severity of the situation prompted the flight crew to swiftly execute an emergency landing procedure.
Bhubaneswar Airport Director, Prasanna Pradhan, confirmed the occurrence, shedding light on the extent of the damage sustained by the aircraft. “The flight had departed from Bhubaneswar at around 1:45 pm, and the aircraft sought assistance to land back after 10 minutes on priority. The aircraft’s windshield developed a crack along with some damage to the structure,” Pradhan stated, as reported by the Deccan Chronicle.
Despite the alarming circumstances, the Vistara flight managed to touch down safely at the airport without any additional assistance required. All 169 passengers and cabin crew members onboard were reported safe and uninjured, bringing relief to the tense situation.
In response to the incident, airport authorities swiftly organized alternative arrangements for the affected passengers. Pradhan assured that another flight would be arranged for the passengers, emphasizing the importance of ensuring their comfort and safety throughout the process. “Only after necessary repairs, the flight leave. It was a normal landing at the airport,” Pradhan affirmed, underscoring the routine nature of the subsequent proceedings.
As investigations into the exact cause of the windshield damage are underway, this incident serves as a sobering reminder of the unpredictable challenges faced by the aviation industry, even amidst routine operations. However, the successful handling of the emergency by the flight crew and swift response by airport authorities underscore the importance of preparedness and adherence to safety protocols in ensuring the well-being of passengers and crew alike.
