Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s helicopter was forced to turn back to Kolkata on Saturday afternoon after dense fog prevented a safe landing at the Taherpur helipad in West Bengal, officials confirmed. The incident highlighted the severe weather conditions currently affecting large parts of eastern and northern India.
According to information shared by officials and reported by news agency PTI, the Prime Minister was scheduled to land at Taherpur as part of his official programme. However, low visibility caused by thick fog made it unsafe for the helicopter to descend. Following standard aviation safety protocols, the pilot decided to abort the landing attempt and return to Kolkata airport.
Officials clarified that there was no emergency situation and that all safety procedures were followed. The Prime Minister was safe throughout the journey, and the decision was taken purely in the interest of flight safety due to rapidly deteriorating weather conditions.
West Bengal, along with several northern states, has been experiencing dense fog over the past few days, severely disrupting air, rail, and road traffic. On Saturday morning itself, multiple flights were delayed or cancelled across major airports, including Delhi and Kolkata, as visibility levels dropped significantly.
The weather department has already issued advisories warning of continued foggy conditions during early morning and late evening hours. Authorities have urged travellers to check updated schedules and advisories before planning journeys.
This is not the first time weather conditions have disrupted high-level travel plans during winter. Dense fog is a recurring challenge in the region during December and January, often affecting both commercial and official aviation operations.
Despite the setback, officials said the Prime Minister’s programme would be rescheduled as per weather conditions and logistical feasibility. Further updates regarding his revised itinerary are expected to be shared once conditions improve.
The incident once again underscores the importance of strict adherence to aviation safety norms, especially during challenging winter weather across the country.
