4 Hours of Mid-Air Panic: Passengers Cry, Pray as Fly91 Flight Battles Bad Weather
4 Hours of Mid-Air Panic: Passengers Cry, Pray as Fly91 Flight Battles Bad Weather
Flight from Hyderabad to Hubballi diverted to Bengaluru after failed landing attempt; airline denies technical fault
Bengaluru: A tense mid-air situation unfolded on a Fly91 flight after it encountered severe weather, leaving passengers frightened and emotional for nearly four hours.
Videos from inside the aircraft showed passengers praying, crying, and panicking as turbulence and uncertainty gripped the cabin. Distressed voices could be heard urging calm, while others pleaded for the flight to be diverted to a safer location.
Flight IC3401, an ATR turboprop, took off from Rajiv Gandhi International Airport at around 3 PM and was scheduled to land in Hubballi by 4:30 PM. However, as it approached its destination, bad weather forced the pilots to abort landing.
The aircraft remained in the air for several hours, circling over areas like Mundgod, Davanagere, and Shivamogga while the crew worked to manage the situation and ensure a safe outcome. During this time, many passengers were seen visibly shaken, with some breaking down in fear.
Passengers reportedly requested the pilot to divert the flight to nearby cities such as Bengaluru or Belagavi for safety.
Responding to the incident, the airline clarified that there was no technical issue with the aircraft. In an official statement, Fly91 said the diversion was carried out as per standard safety procedures due to adverse weather conditions.
The airline emphasized that there was “zero compromise on safety” and described the decision to hold and divert the flight as a routine industry practice. It also highlighted the experience of its pilots and crew, stating that they are well-trained to handle such situations.
After multiple attempts and a prolonged delay, the flight was finally diverted and landed safely at Kempegowda International Airport at around 7:30 PM.
Meanwhile, some passengers’ families raised concerns over lack of communication during the ordeal, accusing the airline of not providing timely updates.
