Mid-air scare: Air India flight aborts Chennai landing due to crosswinds; all 180 passengers safe

An Air India flight from Singapore, carrying approximately 180 passengers, narrowly avoided a potential mishap at Chennai International Airport on Wednesday morning. The aircraft was compelled to abort its landing just 200 feet above the runway due to an unstable approach caused by sudden crosswinds.

The flight was scheduled to land at 10:15 am. As it approached the runway, the pilots encountered unexpected crosswinds and a steep descent rate, leading to an unstabilised approach. Recognising the risk, the pilots executed a go-around manoeuvre, circling the airport before successfully landing on the second attempt approximately 30 minutes later.

The Airports Authority of India (AAI) confirmed the incident, stating that the aircraft's approach was unstable due to the sudden shift in wind speed and a steep descent. Times of India quoted a source familiar with the matter, "A safe landing requires a controlled descent rate, correct speed, and alignment. In this case, the descent was too steep, and there was a sudden shift in wind speed."

All passengers and crew members on board were reported safe, and the flight landed without further incident. The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) is expected to investigate to assess the circumstances surrounding the aborted landing and evaluate adherence to safety protocols.

This incident highlights the challenges pilots face during adverse weather conditions and underscores the importance of prompt decision-making to ensure passenger safety.