Return Flight Chandigarh–Bangalore: A Race Against Time (Part 2)
The return leg from Chandigarh to Bangalore turned into a race against an airspace closure. Through precise planning, optimized cruise, and crew coordination, a second diversion was avoided on the same day.
RETURN FLIGHT - CHANDIGARH–BANGALORE - A RACE AGAINST TIME (PART 2)
On 11 February 2017, at 1045 IST while boarding was in progress, after turnaround at Chandigarh, we were informed by OCC that Bangalore airspace would be closed from 1330 IST for two hours due to an air display at Yelahanka. Since we would not be able to land before the closure—making a diversion almost certain—our departure was being delayed to 1335 IST.
Although the RWY in use was to be RWY 09, a quick reprogramming of the flight plan for RWY 27 showed our ETA was to be 1335 IST over the VOR with RWY 11 for departure. However, by increasing the cost index to 100 to maintain maximum cruise speed and planning for a visual approach, I assessed that landing before closure was still achievable with due coordination with Chennai and Bangalore by OCC. With this assurance, we were cleared to depart—on the condition that the onus was mine. We acted immediately.
A single-engine taxi saved valuable minutes, and we requested RWY 11 for a straight-out departure. Step climbs with favourable winds and lateral offsets were also utilized to further optimize ground speed and reduce flying time. OCC reconfirmed the closure timing, and I advised that a touchdown by 1329 IST was achievable with a visual approach for RWY 27 and requested to coordinate with Chennai.
Approximately 350 nm from Bangalore, we requested Chennai ATC to coordinate for RWY 27 with Bangalore for a visual approach instead of RWY 09. After crossing Hyderabad, we were given direct routing to an intercept point for ILS RWY 09 approach and advised to maintain maximum speed. At 100 nm we were changed over to Bangalore ATC with instructions to maintain maximum speed. Our updated touchdown time was now 1328 IST.
While vectoring for a visual approach at 30 nm, ATC advised that touchdown must be achieved by 1326 IST, failing which we were to divert to Chennai. With no time to lose, we immediately requested a visual approach and quickly planned for a 3 nm straight-in final. We executed accordingly and touched down at 1326 IST.
No diversion. No disruption. Passengers on schedule. Hence in one day diversions were avoided in both the flights.
Post-flight checks showed we landed with fuel higher than planned arrival fuel—highlighting that efficiency and speed, when applied with precision, can coexist.
This flight reaffirmed a key truth about aviation: decisions are time-critical and constantly evolving. They rely on sound knowledge, clear reasoning, and careful planning, supported by teamwork and timely action. In a dynamic environment where the aircraft is always moving and fuel is finite, there's no room to pause—only to adapt, decide, and execute with confidence.
"In the air, success comes down to preparation, practice, and precision in every changing moment."
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