Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman’s official visit to Bhutan was unexpectedly delayed on Thursday, October 30, after her aircraft was forced to make an emergency landing at Bagdogra Airport in Siliguri, West Bengal, because of adverse weather conditions.
According to reports, heavy rainfall, turbulence, and low visibility over the Himalayan region made it unsafe for the aircraft to continue its route to Thimphu, Bhutan’s capital. Soon after the plane encountered turbulence, the pilot decided to divert to Bagdogra as a precautionary measure. Airport authorities immediately activated emergency protocols, ensuring the safety of all passengers and crew members.
Officials later confirmed that Finance Minister Sitharaman is completely safe. However, her travel schedule had to be temporarily adjusted because of poor flying conditions in the region.
As the bad weather persisted, Sitharaman decided to stay overnight in Siliguri. Local authorities, along with security and airport officials, made special arrangements for her accommodation and safety during her stay.
She is now expected to continue her journey to Bhutan on Friday, depending on weather improvements.
The visit holds importance as it aims to strengthen India’s economic partnership with Bhutan and review progress on key bilateral initiatives — including trade, infrastructure, and financial cooperation projects.
Despite the delay, officials confirmed that her Bhutan visit will go ahead as planned once conditions are suitable for flying.
After Emergency Landing in Siliguri
