Delhi airport clarifies IndiGo flight diversion after Omar Abdullah's complaint

The Indira Gandhi International Airport authorities on Sunday addressed the diversion of a Delhi-bound IndiGo flight carrying Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, citing operational challenges caused by infrastructure maintenance and variations in wind patterns. The Delhi airport authorities took to X to answer to the Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister's protest after his flight was rerouted, causing him to land in Delhi at 3 a.m.

In their response, they stated, "Dear Mr. Abdullah, as you may be aware, we have issued several advisories regarding the unseasonal changing wind patterns in Delhi." Runway 10/28 has been closed for ILS upgrades since April 8th, after consultation with all stakeholders and based on historical wind trends."

"Also, the shift toward more easterly winds and the use of converging runways for easterly arrivals have resulted in temporary capacity constraints during this upgrade." These conditions can cause airplane diversions to ensure passenger safety. "We sincerely apologize for the inconvenience," they continued.