Flight Delays CM Mamata Banerjee's Return to Kolkata Due to Bad Weather
Synopsis
In a dramatic turn of events, West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee's chartered flight faced severe delays due to bad weather conditions, keeping it airborne for over an hour before a safe landing in Kolkata. This incident highlights the challenges faced by political figures during crucial campaign periods.
Key Takeaways
Flight Delay: CM Mamata Banerjee's chartered flight faced significant delays due to weather.
Weather Conditions: Heavy rain and winds led to landing permission being denied.
Safe Landing: The flight eventually landed safely after an hour in the air.
Political Implications: Such incidents can affect campaign strategies during election periods.
Upcoming Elections: Assembly elections are set for April 23 and 29 in West Bengal.
Kolkata, March 26 (NationPress) After circling in the sky for more than an hour due to harsh weather and being denied landing permission at Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose International Airport in Kolkata, the chartered flight transporting West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee managed to land safely at approximately 5:30 p.m. on Thursday.
The flight, which was returning from multiple campaign rallies in West Burdwan and Birbhum districts earlier that day, was originally slated to arrive at the Kolkata airport before 4:30 p.m. The chartered flight had departed from Andal Airport in West Burdwan district.
Upon reaching Kolkata, the pilot reached out to air traffic control (ATC) for landing clearance, but was denied due to adverse weather conditions, including intense rainfall and strong winds that made landing unsafe.
As a result, the chartered flight remained in the air for over an hour. Ultimately, after the weather improved, ATC granted permission for landing. The flight touched down safely at around 5:30 p.m..
At the time of this report, Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee had already departed the airport for her home without addressing the media regarding the incident.
Sources from Kolkata Airport indicated that Mamata Banerjee's chartered flight was not the only one affected by the inclement weather; numerous flights experienced delays in both arrivals and departures.
Insiders shared that there were discussions about possibly diverting the Chief Minister’s flight to a nearby airport if conditions did not improve.
Fortunately, the weather did get better, allowing for a safe landing and providing relief to all parties involved.
It’s worth noting that Assembly elections are set to take place in two phases next month — on April 23 and April 29 — with results being announced on May 4.
Point of View
Such delays may have significant implications for campaign strategies.
NationPress
30 Jun 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What caused the delay in CM Mamata Banerjee's flight?
The delay was caused by adverse weather conditions, including heavy rainfall and gusty winds, which led to landing permission being denied.
How long did the flight remain airborne?
The flight remained airborne for over an hour before it was allowed to land.
What were the original landing plans for the flight?
The flight was scheduled to land at Kolkata airport before 4:30 p.m.
Where was CM Mamata Banerjee returning from?
She was returning from attending several campaign rallies in West Burdwan and Birbhum districts.
When are the Assembly elections in West Bengal?
The Assembly elections are scheduled for April 23 and April 29, with results to be announced on May 4.
