Windy Conditions Force Akasa Air Boeing 737 Max 8 to Divert After Two Landing Attempts.
Key Points
- 1Akasa Air flight QP 1781 (Boeing 737 Max 8) was diverted to Jaipur after two failed landing attempts at Ahmedabad on Tuesday.
- 2The pilot initiated two go-arounds due to an 'unstable approach' caused by strong windy conditions, following standard safety protocol.
- 3The aircraft refueled in Jaipur and successfully landed in Ahmedabad on the third attempt at 1:47 pm, resulting in a nearly four-hour delay.
- 4The incident demonstrates adherence to DGCA and industry-wide 'go-around' safety procedures for unstabilized approaches.
An Akasa Air flight diversion on Tuesday significantly delayed passengers. Flight QP 1781, a Boeing 737 Max 8, was traveling from Mumbai to Ahmedabad. The aircraft departed Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Internal Airport (CSMIA) at 9:00 am. It was scheduled to land at Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport (SVPIA) at 10:00 am.
Operational Incident
The Mumbai to Ahmedabad flight encountered strong windy conditions upon approach. This led to an unstable approach landing. Pilots must adhere to strict stabilization criteria. When conditions are not met, a go-around procedure is mandatory. The flight crew was prompted to abandon the first landing attempt. They were asked by Air Traffic Control (ATC) to execute a go-around. The aircraft circled the airport for approximately 15-20 minutes. A subsequent second attempt at landing the Boeing 737 Max 8 also failed.
Safety Protocol and Diversion
Following the two failed attempts, the pilot diverted the flight. The aircraft was rerouted to Jaipur International Airport. This was necessary for a Jaipur refueling stop. The diversion is standard operating procedure for low fuel reserves. Passengers reported anxious moments during the aborted landings. The aircraft later returned to Ahmedabad. It landed safely on its third attempt at 1:47 pm. This resulted in a delay of nearly four hours for travelers.
Indian Aviation Safety Standards
This incident highlights the importance of rigorous Indian aviation safety protocols. A go-around is the safest action a pilot can take. It is performed when an approach is deemed unsafe or unstabilized. The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) issues guidelines on this. The agency promotes a non-punitive policy for pilots initiating a go-around. This ensures safety is prioritized over on-time performance.
Akasa Air [https://www.akasaair.com] confirmed the diversion. A spokesperson stated the approach did not meet the airline's prescribed safety standards. The operating crew followed standard operating procedures. Such events underscore the challenges of commercial aviation news and weather-related disruptions.
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Written by
Ujjwal SukhwaniAviation News Editor & Industry Analyst delivering clear coverage for a worldwide audience.
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