Kolkata, 26 March (H.S.) – Severe weather conditions forced the West Bengal Chief Minister’s aircraft to remain airborne for nearly half an hour before a safe landing at Kolkata airport.
West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee’s flight experienced a temporary delay in landing at Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose International Airport in Kolkata on Thursday afternoon due to severe storm conditions and heavy rainfall.
Airport officials later confirmed that the aircraft landed safely after weather conditions improved.
Weather Disruption Delays Landing
According to airport sources, strong winds and intense rain made landing unsafe at the scheduled time, prompting authorities to keep the aircraft in the air as a precaution. Flight operations at the airport were also briefly suspended for about 20 minutes to prioritise safety.
During this period, the Chief Minister’s aircraft circled overhead while awaiting clearance from Air Traffic Control (ATC). Officials said multiple landing attempts were initiated but had to be aborted as the weather deteriorated.
Return From Election Campaign
Banerjee was returning to Kolkata after addressing election campaign rallies earlier in the day. She had held public meetings in Pandaveswar in Paschim Bardhaman district and Dubrajpur in Birbhum district.
Her private jet departed from Andal Airport at 3:39 pm and was expected to land in Kolkata around 4:00 pm.
Safety Protocols Followed
Authorities said the flight remained airborne for nearly 30 minutes before conditions stabilised. As part of standard aviation safety procedures, officials were also monitoring the aircraft’s fuel levels during the delay.
At around 5:00 pm, airport authorities confirmed that the Chief Minister’s flight had landed without incident.
Context: Weather and Flight Operations
Adverse weather such as thunderstorms and strong crosswinds can significantly impact airport operations, often requiring delays, diversions or temporary suspension of flights to ensure passenger safety.
Such precautionary measures are routinely taken by aviation authorities to minimise risk during extreme weather events.
Officials emphasised that the disruption was entirely weather-related and that all necessary steps were taken to ensure safe flight operations. Normal services at Kolkata airport resumed soon after the Chief Minister’s aircraft landed. (With inputs from H.S.)
Inputs & Images courtesy: Hindusthan Samachar (H.S.)
Edited by: Dikshita Bollu
Last Updated on: Thursday, March 26, 2026 10:24 pm by Bollu Dikshitha | Published by: Bollu Dikshitha on Thursday, March 26, 2026 10:20 pm | News Categories: India
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