- By Akansha Pandey
- Tue, 07 Oct 2025 06:11 PM (IST)
- Source:JND
Air traffic at Prayagraj Airport was completely disrupted on Tuesday after a major technical issue involving an Indian Air Force (IAF) aircraft. At approximately 10:15 am, an IAF plane experienced a technical snag during landing, leading to the immediate closure of the runway.
As a precautionary measure following this unexpected incident, the Air Force has blocked the runway until 9 pm on Tuesday, bringing a complete halt to all civil and military aircraft movements. Consequently, all flights scheduled to land in Prayagraj have been diverted to Lucknow.
Passengers who had arrived at Prayagraj Airport faced significant inconvenience upon being informed of the suspension of air traffic. The incident occurred shortly after a flight to Hyderabad had successfully departed from Prayagraj at 9 am.
Since the Air Traffic Control (ATC) and the runway at Prayagraj Airport are under the jurisdiction of the Indian Air Force, the runway was sealed promptly as part of their response protocol.
Official Confirmation Awaited
The Indian Air Force has not yet released an official or detailed statement regarding the incident. Airport Director Mukesh Chandra Upadhyay confirmed the situation, stating, "The Air Force has informed us that the runway is blocked until 9 pm. It is likely due to a technical snag in the aircraft, but it would be premature to share any information without official confirmation. Flights bound for Prayagraj have been diverted to Lucknow."
Impact On Air Force Day Preparations
According to reliable sources, the incident occurred as the IAF was finalising its preparations for the upcoming 'Air Force Day' on October 8 in Prayagraj. It is suspected that the aircraft involved may have been part of these rehearsals or preparations. Sources have also confirmed that the situation is fully under control, and efforts to remove the affected aircraft from the runway are underway on a war footing. An official statement is expected by late evening, which may provide more clarity on the runway's reopening.
Also Read: Jharkhand Health Dept Adopts Central Guideline Against Cough Syrup For Children Under 2
Technical Expert Opinion
Technical experts note that in a situation where an aircraft is stuck, safety protocols mandate a prolonged closure of the runway to avert any potential hazards. Passengers are advised to maintain contact with their respective airlines for the latest updates on their flight status.