An Air India flight bound for the UK had to change its course following an emergency declaration by the pilots. Flight AI117, originating from Amritsar in the Punjab region of India, signaled a “Squawk 7700,” indicating a general emergency, as it neared Birmingham Airport on Thursday evening. Adverse weather conditions caused by heavy snowfall and freezing temperatures from Storm Goretti led to poor visibility, dropping below the required level for a safe landing.
The Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner aircraft altered its path close to Leamington Spa, redirecting towards London, as revealed by flight-tracking data. The emergency arose due to a “Minimum Fuel” circumstance, where the plane’s fuel reserves were depleted beyond safe levels for additional maneuvers, as reported by AirLive. The emergency code granted the plane priority handling by Air Traffic Control (ATC).
The flight was redirected to London Heathrow Airport, known for its longer runways and Category III Instrument Landing Systems that enhance safety during landings. The plane landed without incident in London.
Birmingham Airport halted all runway operations on Thursday evening due to heavy snowfall. Passengers were advised to consult their airlines for the latest flight updates. Flights to various destinations including Paris, Bergamo, Geneva, and Delhi were either canceled or delayed, affecting services from multiple cities.
An official update on the airport’s Facebook page stated that runway operations were still suspended for safety checks and snow clearance. Although some flights from Heathrow and Luton Airports were canceled, East Midlands Airport also briefly shut down its runway early on Thursday.
Weather warnings persisted, with the Met Office forecasting continued disruptions due to snowfall and icy conditions in various regions. The Chief Forecaster, Steve Willington, cautioned about additional snow accumulation in specific areas on Sunday, potentially causing further disturbances.