More proof to show that airport expansion is not required for a Dubai connection: Due to adverse weather conditions in Kozhikode, two IndiGo flights from Dubai and Dammam were diverted this morning to Coimbatore Airport, avoiding Calicut International Airport.
Coimbatore: In response to the severe weather conditions affecting the Calicut International Airport in Kozhikode, Kerala, two international flights were rerouted to Coimbatore Airport today. The flights, operated by IndiGo, originated from Dubai and Dammam. Poor visibility and heavy rainfall in Kozhikode prompted the precautionary diversion to ensure passenger safety.
The runway at Calicut International Airport is a tabletop runway, which requires precise maneuvering for take-offs and landings, especially under adverse weather conditions. This aspect highlights the need for careful planning in flight operations during inclement weather.
In 2020, a tragic incident occurred at the same airport when an aircraft overshot the runway in poor weather conditions, leading to casualties. Since then, there has been heightened vigilance during harsh weather. The situation today was managed without incident as both flights safely landed at Coimbatore Airport. Local authorities and airport staff were on high alert, ensuring a smooth transition for the redirected passengers.