Flight operations hit at Raipur airport after lightning strike damages navigation system
Lightning strike damages navigation system at Raipur airport; flight operations hit
A sudden lightning strike at Swami Vivekananda Airport in Raipur caused major disruptions to flight operations on Wednesday evening. The strike damaged the airport’s Doppler VHF Omnidirectional Range (DVOR) system, a crucial navigation tool that helps aircraft determine their position and direction for safe landings and takeoffs.
As a result of the system failure, all landings at Raipur airport were temporarily suspended. Several IndiGo flights scheduled to land were diverted to nearby airports such as Nagpur and Bhubaneswar. Additionally, two flights from Mumbai and Pune had to be redirected to Nagpur due to runway light failures caused by the storm.
Airport authorities acted swiftly, and repair teams are currently working to restore the navigation system. Officials anticipate that normal flight operations will resume by Thursday, once the necessary repairs and safety checks are completed.
This incident highlights how vulnerable airport infrastructure can be to extreme weather events. It also underscores the importance of robust backup systems to ensure the safety and efficiency of air travel, even during unforeseen circumstances. Passengers affected by the diversions were assisted by airlines, emphasizing the need for preparedness in handling such disruptions.
Raipur airport authorities have assured travelers that all measures are being taken to prevent further disruption and ensure safe travel for all passengers in the coming days.
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