What began as a routine evening hop turned into a tense battle against weather, fuel, and fate.
On May 25th 2023, An Air India Airbus A320-200, registration VT-ETE, operating Flight AI-850 from Pune to Delhi, cruised smoothly with 149 passengers and 6 crew on board. But as the aircraft reached the top of descent, the calm shattered—Delhi ATC warned of weather-related delays.
The Hold That Changed Everything
With Jaipur listed as the alternate and appearing clear, the crew entered a holding pattern at FL170. Minutes turned into nearly 68 long minutes of circling. Every loop burned precious fuel while storms tightened their grip around Delhi.
When fuel dropped to 2,990 kg, the captain made the decisive call: divert to Jaipur.
A Sudden Turn for the Worse
On paper, Jaipur still looked acceptable—visibility above 2,000 meters and only a few CB clouds reported earlier. But in a cruel twist, the latest METAR—showing a sudden and severe weather deterioration—was not obtained.
As the aircraft descended for an ILS approach to Runway 27, the situation escalated. The crew alerted Jaipur ATC of a low-fuel condition. Then, at 3,300 feet, the aircraft was struck by windshear.
⚠️ Approach aborted. Fuel remaining: just 1,600 kg.
MAYDAY
Weather over Jaipur worsened rapidly. Options were vanishing as fast as the fuel. With no margin left, the crew made a final, critical decision—divert to Gwalior.
The words no crew wants to say echoed across the radio:
“MAYDAY, MAYDAY, MAYDAY… FUEL.”
The Final Descent
Approaching Gwalior, there would be no second chances. The crew flew a visual approach to Runway 24, every checklist precise, every second counted. The A320 touched down safely—engines spooling down as the reality set in.
🛬 Fuel on landing: just 464 kg.
Why This Flight Matters
This wasn’t just a diversion—it was a razor-thin escape that highlights:
- How fast weather can collapse
- How extended holding can quietly push an aircraft toward the edge
- And how crew decision-making under pressure can make the difference between disaster and a safe landing
On that night, professionalism, skill, and calm under extreme stress ensured that 149 passengers walked away unaware of just how close the sky had come.
