Passengers onboard a Fly91 flight were left shaken after a mid-air scare forced the aircraft to remain airborne for several hours before safely landing in Bengaluru.
A video from inside the cabin has gone viral, showing emotional scenes as anxious passengers prayed, cried and appealed for the aircraft to be diverted.
Flight unable to land at Hubballi
The Fly91 flight IC3401 reportedly departed Rajiv Gandhi International Airport around 3 pm and was scheduled to land in Hubballi by 4:30 pm.
However, as it approached Hubballi, the aircraft was unable to land and continued circling over parts of Karnataka, including Mundgod, Davanagere and Shivamogga.
The extended time in the air created fear among passengers, with many demanding diversion to another airport.
Passengers plead for diversion
Videos circulating online captured passengers asking crew members to divert the aircraft to Bengaluru or Belagavi as anxiety spread inside the cabin.
The pilot was reportedly heard repeatedly urging passengers to stay calm while the crew handled the situation.
Safe landing in Bengaluru
After hours of uncertainty, the aircraft was diverted and landed safely at Kempegowda International Airport around 7:30 pm.
No injuries were reported, and all passengers were safely deboarded.
Airline cites bad weather
Fly91 denied claims of a technical snag and said adverse weather near Hubballi led to the diversion decision.
The airline stated that all actions were taken under standard aviation safety procedures and there was no compromise on passenger safety.
Communication concerns raised
Despite the safe landing, some family members reportedly criticised the airline over delays in communication during the incident.
The episode has renewed discussion around emergency handling, passenger reassurance and communication standards in the aviation sector.