A chartered aircraft carrying Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi made an emergency landing in Kolkata on Friday afternoon following a technical issue discovered mid-flight. The Odisha CM flight diversion occurred while the plane was en route from Bhubaneswar to a scheduled event in the Kalahandi district. All passengers and crew, including the Chief Minister, are reported to be safe.
Odisha CM’s Flight Makes Sudden Detour to Kolkata
| Key Fact | Detail |
| Incident | A chartered flight carrying the Odisha CM was diverted. Official Statement (CMO) |
| Reason | A pilot-reported “technical snag.” |
| Diversion Route | From Bhubaneswar-Utkela route to Kolkata. |
| Passenger Status | Chief Minister Majhi and all others on board are safe. |
| Next Step | Aviation authorities to investigate the aircraft. |
Mid-Air Malfunction Prompts Safety Protocol
The flight, which departed from Biju Patnaik International Airport (BPIA) in Bhubaneswar, was traveling to Utkela Airstrip in Kalahandi district, where the Chief Minister was scheduled to attend several official programs. According to a statement released by the Chief Minister’s Office (CMO), the pilot detected a technical snag during the journey.
“Prioritizing the safety of everyone on board, the pilot made the decision to divert the aircraft to the nearest major airport equipped for such situations, which was Kolkata,” the statement read. Officials confirmed that the pilot communicated the issue to Air Traffic Control (ATC), which initiated emergency protocols at Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose International Airport in Kolkata for the landing.
The Response and Investigation into the Odisha CM Flight Diversion
Upon receiving the alert, emergency crews, including fire and rescue services, were placed on standby along the runway in Kolkata, a standard procedure for any aircraft reporting technical difficulties. An official from the Airports Authority of India (AAI) confirmed that the plane landed safely without incident.
Aviation Authority to Investigate
The exact nature of the technical snag has not been publicly detailed. India’s aviation regulator, the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), is expected to launch a formal investigation into the incident. Such inquiries typically involve a thorough inspection of the aircraft, a review of its maintenance records, and an analysis of the flight data recorder to identify the root cause of the malfunction.
“The aircraft will be grounded until a full safety assessment is completed by DGCA officials,” a source familiar with aviation protocols stated. This procedure ensures that any potential risks are fully addressed before the aircraft is cleared to fly again.
Chief Minister Continues Itinerary
Following the safe landing, Chief Minister Majhi and his staff disembarked from the aircraft. The CMO later informed the media that alternative travel arrangements were being made for the Chief Minister to proceed with his scheduled engagements. The incident caused a temporary disruption but did not lead to the cancellation of his official tour.
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Political leaders from various parties expressed their relief upon hearing the news of the Chief Minister’s safety. The swift and professional handling of the emergency landing by the flight crew and Kolkata airport authorities has been widely acknowledged.
The incident serves as a reminder of the stringent safety protocols that govern air travel, particularly for flights carrying high-level government officials. The pending DGCA investigation will be crucial in providing a definitive explanation for the Odisha CM flight diversion and ensuring such issues are prevented in the future.
