Flight returns to Hubballi after being diverted due to inclement weather

The incident caused panic among the passengers as the aircraft remained airborne for three hours on Sunday.

Some of the scared passengers were in tears and started praying for their safety.

The flight, which departed Hyderabad at around 3.30 pm, was scheduled to land in Hubballi at about 4.30 pm but was unable to do so due to unfavourable weather, sources said.

"Due to bad weather, the flight from Hyderabad to Hubballi was diverted to Bengaluru," an airport official said, adding that such diversions are a standard safety measure.