Lightning Strike Halts Flights at Raipur Airport, Damages Navigation System

A powerful lightning strike wreaked havoc at Swami Vivekananda Airport in Raipur, Chhattisgarh, on Wednesday evening, damaging a critical aircraft navigation system and bringing flight operations to a standstill. The incident, which targeted the Doppler VHF Omnidirectional Range (DVOR) system, forced the diversion of five IndiGo flights to nearby airports, including Nagpur and Bhubaneswar, leaving passengers stranded and sparking chaos in the region’s air travel network.

The lightning strike hit around 6 p.m., incapacitating the DVOR, a ground-based radio navigation system essential for helping pilots determine their position and direction relative to their destination. According to airport officials, the damage led to an immediate suspension of all flight landings, disrupting travel plans for hundreds of passengers. “All flight landings were suspended due to the DVOR system getting hit by a lightning bolt this evening,” an official stated, adding that repair efforts are underway with hopes of resuming normal operations by Thursday morning.

The disruption sent ripples through Raipur, a key hub in central India, with the affected IndiGo flights rerouted to alternate airports to ensure passenger safety. The Swami Vivekananda Airport, located in a region prone to thunderstorms during the monsoon season, has faced similar challenges in the past, but the scale of this incident drew significant attention due to its impact on connectivity. Authorities are working round-the-clock to restore the DVOR system, with technicians assessing the extent of the damage caused by the high-voltage strike.

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The incident has reignited concerns about the vulnerability of critical airport infrastructure to extreme weather events, especially in light of increasing climate variability. The DVOR, a sophisticated system that uses the Doppler effect to provide precise navigational data, is vital for safe aircraft operations, particularly in low-visibility conditions. Its failure underscores the need for robust backup systems and lightning protection measures, experts say.

Passengers expressed frustration as flights were diverted, with some taking to social media to share their experiences. “Stuck in Nagpur after our Raipur flight got rerouted,” tweeted one traveler. “No updates on when we’ll get home.” Airport officials have assured affected passengers that IndiGo is coordinating alternative arrangements, including ground transport where feasible, and that normal operations are expected to resume by Thursday afternoon once repairs are complete.

The lightning strike comes at a time when Raipur’s airport is undergoing expansions to handle growing air traffic, raising questions about infrastructure resilience. Local authorities have pledged to investigate the incident and implement measures to prevent future disruptions. As repairs continue, the focus remains on restoring connectivity and ensuring the safety of travelers in this bustling regional hub.

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