Cyclone Fengal Disrupts Chennai Airport: IndiGo Flight Narrowly Avoids Disaster

Cyclone Fengal wreaked havoc in Tamil Nadu as it made landfall near Puducherry, severely affecting daily life and operations at Chennai International Airport. Among the chaos, an IndiGo Airlines flight from Mumbai (6E-683) faced a dramatic and dangerous situation.

Key Highlights:

• Perilous Landing Attempt:
  An IndiGo Airbus A320 Neo attempted to land amid extreme weather but was forced into a "go-around" maneuver due to unsafe conditions. This crucial aviation procedure prevented a potential disaster.

• Viral Video Moment:
  A video of the near-miss, showing the plane’s wheels just above the runway before ascending, went viral online, gathering over 100,000 views and sparking discussions about aviation safety during extreme weather.

• Airport Disruptions:

  • Operations at Chennai Airport were suspended until 4 a.m. Sunday due to heavy rain and wind gusts.
  • Passengers were advised to monitor flight schedules as flights gradually resumed when conditions improved.

• IndiGo's Response:
  A spokesperson reassured passengers, stating, "Our pilots are extensively trained to handle such situations with professionalism and safety as our top priority."

Cyclone Fengal’s Aftermath:

• Flooding and Damage: The storm caused severe flooding, damaging homes, hospitals, and infrastructure in coastal regions.
• Relief Efforts: Relief operations led by the Indian Army and NDRF are in full swing, offering aid to affected areas.
• Path to Recovery: As the cyclone’s intensity decreases, Tamil Nadu is beginning to recover, though challenges remain.