A major scare unfolded in the skies over Kolkata on Thursday as West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee’s aircraft was caught in a severe thunderstorm. The flight, which was scheduled to land at the Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose International (NSCBI) Airport, was forced to hover in the air for a considerable amount of time due to turbulent weather conditions and poor visibility.

The Alipore Meteorological Department had already issued a warning for thunderstorms in South Bengal. As the CM’s aircraft approached the city, it encountered massive thunderclouds and heavy lightning. Following instructions from Air Traffic Control (ATC), the pilot had to keep the aircraft in a “holding pattern” for nearly 30 minutes. The sudden turbulence during this period caused significant anxiety among the passengers on board.

Fortunately, as the intensity of the storm subsided and visibility improved, the ATC cleared the flight for landing. The Chief Minister landed safely and was seen leaving the airport shortly after. While this isn’t the first time CM Banerjee has faced such a weather-related mid-air crisis, the incident has once again highlighted the risks posed by sudden Nor’westers during this season. The State Secretariat confirmed that the Chief Minister is safe and has reached her residence.