Massive Lightning Damage Triggers Airport Shutdown

Flight operations at Raipur’s Swami Vivekananda Airport were disrupted on Wednesday evening after a lightning strike damaged a key navigation system. Landings were suspended, and several flights were diverted until repairs were completed.

DVOR Navigation System Disabled

Airport officials confirmed that the lightning strike disabled the Doppler VHF Omnidirectional Range (DVOR). This ground-based system helps aircraft determine their position and direction for safe approaches and landings. Its failure made landing operations unsafe.

Multiple Flights Diverted

Five IndiGo flights scheduled to arrive at Raipur were diverted to Nagpur and Bhubaneswar. The sudden suspension caused cascading delays that also affected departures, impacting overall airport operations.

Repairs and Restoration

Repair work on the DVOR started immediately after the strike. Authorities stated that flight operations would resume the next day after thorough restoration and testing of the navigation system.

Safety Protocols in Focus

Experts highlighted the need for backup navigation options such as auxiliary VORs and GPS-based procedures. These measures can help minimise disruptions during unexpected equipment failures.

Passenger Safety Prioritised

Though passengers faced diversions and delays, authorities prioritised safety over convenience. Flight operations remained paused until navigation support was securely restored.