Close Call: IndiGo Flight Take-Off Aborted After Monkeys On Runway At Lucknow Airport
Close Call: IndiGo Flight Take-Off Aborted After Monkeys On Runway At Lucknow Airport
Pilot alertness averts major mishap; flight delayed by over an hour
A major aviation mishap was narrowly avoided at Lucknow’s Chaudhary Charan Singh International Airport after an IndiGo flight was forced to abort take-off due to monkeys suddenly entering the runway.
The incident occurred on Thursday morning when flight 6E-6521, scheduled to depart from Lucknow to Raipur, had already begun its take-off roll. The aircraft had gained speed and covered nearly one-third of the runway when pilots spotted monkeys running across the strip.
Acting swiftly, the pilots immediately aborted the take-off and informed air traffic control, ensuring the safety of around 150 passengers on board. The aircraft was brought back under control and taxied safely, preventing what could have turned into a serious accident.
Due to the aborted take-off, the aircraft consumed a significant amount of fuel during acceleration. As a result, it had to be refuelled before it could attempt departure again. The flight eventually took off about an hour later after necessary checks and clearance.
The incident also led to temporary disruption in airport operations. Another flight, operated by Air India Express, had to circle the airspace and delay its landing due to concerns over the runway safety. Some other flight schedules were also briefly affected.
Sources indicated that airport authorities had already received information about monkey movement near the runway shortly before the incident. The animals are believed to have strayed into the airport premises from nearby orchard areas around Rahimabad village.
Following the incident, the airport’s wildlife management team cleared the runway and ensured that operations returned to normal. Officials noted that such an incident affecting active runway operations is rare but highlights the importance of constant vigilance.
The timely response of the pilots and coordination with ground control played a crucial role in preventing any harm, underlining the importance of safety protocols in aviation.
