Fly91 flight to Hubballi diverted to Bengaluru amid bad weather; passengers panic mid-air

Hubballi: Crosswinds and cloudy conditions over Hubballi on Sunday evening forced the diversion of a Hyderabad-bound flight and delayed the arrival and departure of several other flights at Hubballi Airport.

A Hyderabad-bound Fly91 flight, scheduled to land in Hubballi at 4:30 pm, was unable to do so due to adverse weather. The aircraft reportedly hovered over the city for nearly an hour before being diverted to Bengaluru’s Kempegowda International Airport at 7:30 pm.

According to sources, the pilot attempted to land at Hubballi Airport but was unable to do so as weather conditions did not improve, prompting the diversion. Passengers on board were reportedly anxious during the extended holding time.

After weather conditions improved in Hubballi, the same flight departed from Bengaluru and landed in Hubballi at around 9:00 pm. It later departed for Hyderabad at 10:03 pm, against its scheduled departure time of 8:35 pm.

According to Hubballi Airport Director's office, crosswinds and cloudy weather were the primary reasons for the diversion and delays. They clarified that there were no technical issues with the aircraft or airport facilities. The Fly91 pilot had held the aircraft in the air for nearly an hour awaiting better conditions before deciding to divert.

Meanwhile, an IndiGo flight to Pune was delayed by about an hour. Flights to Delhi, Pune, and Bengaluru also experienced delays due to the crosswind conditions affecting operations at Hubballi and other airports.