Adverse weather conditions force safety-first reroute of Himanta Biswa Sarma’s flight
IndiGo Flight Carrying Assam CM Diverted Amid Bad Weather
In a development that sparked concern across Assam, a commercial IndiGo flight carrying Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma was diverted mid-air due to adverse weather conditions on Sunday evening. The flight, en route from Dibrugarh to Guwahati, was unable to land at its intended destination and was rerouted safely to Agartala in neighboring Tripura.
The Chief Minister’s Office (CMO) quickly issued a statement confirming the CM’s safe landing and reassuring the public that the diversion was a precautionary measure in line with aviation safety protocols.
Why the Diversion Happened
Unsafe Weather Conditions Near Guwahati
According to airport authorities and airline sources, severe thunderstorms and low visibility around Guwahati’s Lokpriya Gopinath Bordoloi International Airport made it impossible for the pilot to ensure a safe landing. Real-time weather data indicated dense cloud cover, gusty winds, and potential lightning in the region, prompting the pilot to initiate a weather-related diversion.
“Passenger safety is our highest priority. The diversion was made following standard operating procedures,” said an IndiGo spokesperson in a media statement.
Flight Details: What We Know So Far
- Flight Number: IndiGo 6E-6543
- Route: Dibrugarh (DIB) → Guwahati (GAU)
- New Destination: Agartala (IXA)
- Incident Date: Sunday, August 24, 2025
- Onboard: Assam Chief Minister, security personnel, and other passengers
- Reason for Diversion: Adverse weather in Guwahati
The CM later continued his journey via an alternative flight once weather conditions stabilized in Guwahati.
Statement from Assam Chief Minister’s Office
Public Reassurance and Gratitude
Shortly after the diversion, the CMO issued a public update via social media platform X (formerly Twitter):
“Due to adverse weather in Guwahati, the IndiGo flight from Dibrugarh carrying Hon’ble Chief Minister @himantabiswa has been diverted to Agartala. CM is safe, and all passengers are fine. We thank the airline crew and airport officials for their quick action and support.”
The tweet quickly went viral, receiving thousands of likes, shares, and well-wishes from citizens and political figures alike.
Reactions from the Public and Political Circles
News of the Assam CM flight diversion due to weather spread rapidly, raising initial concerns. However, the calm and swift communication by the Chief Minister’s Office helped ease public anxiety.
Several ministers, MLAs, and public figures also shared posts expressing relief at the CM’s safety, while lauding the airline crew’s professionalism in ensuring a secure diversion.
Is Weather Impacting Flights in the Northeast?
A Pattern of Weather-Related Disruptions
Assam and other northeastern states have recently been experiencing erratic monsoon patterns. With frequent thunderstorms, heavy rains, and poor visibility, air traffic has seen several delays and diversions over the past two weeks.
For more on how weather is impacting flights in India, visit India Meteorological Department (IMD).
Experts warn that climate-related changes may continue to affect flight schedules and pose operational challenges to aviation hubs in the region.
Safety First: Understanding Flight Diversions
Flight diversions, while disruptive, are a routine safety measure in global aviation. When weather, technical, or operational concerns make landing unsafe, pilots choose alternate airports based on proximity, air traffic, and runway conditions.
In this case, Agartala was the safest available option, with better weather and quick refueling options, ensuring the CM’s itinerary remained mostly on track.
How to Stay Updated on Flight Disruptions
If you’re traveling in or out of the northeast during the monsoon, here are a few tips to stay informed:
- Check real-time flight status via airline websites or FlightRadar24
- Follow airport advisories from Guwahati, Dibrugarh, and Agartala terminals
- Keep an eye on IMD weather updates
- Download airline apps for instant alerts
These small steps can help you avoid last-minute surprises and plan better during volatile weather periods.
CM Safe, Protocol Followed
The Assam CM flight diversion due to weather is a reminder of the unpredictability of air travel, especially during monsoon months. However, it also highlights the effectiveness of standard aviation safety protocols and the importance of transparent communication during emergencies.
While the diversion may have caused minor delays, the safe landing of all passengers — especially a high-profile leader like Himanta Biswa Sarma — underscores that safety always comes first in Indian aviation.
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