IAF Rehearsals Ground Flights: 350+ Passengers Stranded at Varanasi Airport
Over 350 passengers faced delays at Varanasi Airport as IAF rehearsals for 'Wings Over Ganga' halted flight takeoffs.
Travelers at Lal Bahadur Shastri International Airport in Varanasi faced a frustrating Wednesday as Varanasi air show rehearsals brought flight operations to a standstill. In a move prioritizing safety, Air Traffic Control (ATC) denied takeoff clearances for two major flights, forcing hundreds of passengers to disembark after they had already boarded their aircraft.
Chaos on the Tarmac: Passengers Forced Back to Terminal
The disruption hit passengers of Indigo and Air India Express the hardest. Despite completing the boarding process, more than 350 people found themselves ordered back into the terminal building when the ATC withheld clearances.
The affected flights were:
- Indigo 6E-6044: Bound for Chennai, this flight was scheduled to depart at 10:55 a.m. It carried 183 passengers and was eventually able to take off at 2:40 p.m.
- Air India Express IX-1810: Destined for Mumbai, this flight had a scheduled departure of 10:25 a.m. but remained grounded until 2:31 p.m.
The Reason: 'Wings Over Ganga' Preparations
The sudden halt in air traffic was not due to a technical glitch or weather emergency, but rather the meticulous preparation for an upcoming spectacle. The Indian Air Force (IAF) was conducting rehearsals for an air show titled 'Wings Over Ganga'.
These critical exercises took place between 11:40 a.m. and 2:00 p.m. on Wednesday, creating a window where the airspace had to be cleared for the military aircraft to perform their maneuvers safely.
Passenger Welfare During the Wait
With the delays stretching to approximately four hours, the atmosphere at the terminal was one of anticipation and annoyance. To mitigate the inconvenience, both Indigo and Air India Express provided refreshments to the stranded passengers while they waited for the skies to clear.
Save the Date for the Big Show
While the rehearsals caused a temporary headache for travelers, the final event promises to be a grand display of aerial prowess. The 'Wings Over Ganga' air show is officially scheduled to take place in Varanasi on October 22, 24, and 25.