IndiGo Flight Diverted After Fox Appears on Kolkata Runway
An IndiGo flight from Chennai was diverted to Durgapur after a fox was spotted on the runway in Kolkata.
IndiGo flight diverted just before landing due to a fox on the runway.
The incident follows a false hijack threat reported earlier at Kolkata Airport.
The flight was safely redirected to Andal Airport in Durgapur.
An IndiGo flight arriving from Chennai faced an unexpected diversion shortly before landing at Kolkata Airport when a fox was spotted on the runway. The pilot promptly notified Air Traffic Control (ATC), which instructed the aircraft to circle back instead of landing directly.
This incident occurred just hours after a separate security scare at the same airport, where a hijack threat was reported concerning an Air India flight bound for Mumbai. A message indicating a potential hijack was discovered on a lavatory mirror, leading to immediate panic and heightened security measures.
Upon receiving the threat notification, the flight crew acted swiftly, alerting ATC. The Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) responded by launching a thorough search operation, inspecting all compartments and luggage areas of the aircraft. The flight, originally scheduled to depart at 10:30 AM, was delayed and eventually took off at 5:00 PM after the threat was deemed a hoax.
The appearance of a fox on the runway raises concerns about wildlife management at airports, as such incidents can pose serious risks to aviation safety. The authorities are expected to review safety protocols to prevent similar occurrences in the future.
Looking ahead, airport officials are likely to enhance wildlife monitoring and management strategies to ensure that runways remain clear of animals. Additionally, investigations into the earlier hijack threat will continue to identify the individual responsible for the alarming message.
