Indian Diversions...
Ahhh India...a wonderful country and such an fascinating place to fly.
We had a good one last year.
Diverting in a 757 from the hold at Agra because of poor Vis (situation exacerbated by the fact that this is mostly a Military base so they do seem to try to keep the weather forecasts Top Secret :-)
In the hold a review of our options;
Number 1 Div was Delhi - fogged out, no clearance forecast.
Number 2 Div was Jaipur - Wx nice but, RAMP FULL of diverted Delhi inbounds! No chance.
Number 3 Div.....was....."erm Ahmedabad? Where's that exactly?.....Over an hour away with the Vis decreasing? Time we 'departed the fix' guys, ask Delhi for a climb to FL 330 and let's go!"
A lovely night was spent in AMD - all very friendly people, although Immigration took some time....(polite cough!)
And so much to be learned too - like Gujarat is a DRY province, the only one (?) in the sub-continent - most disappointing to be denied the pleasure of a Cobra or two with the superb curry buffet in the hotel. (Darn it!)
Seriously though, it's a brilliant experience flying in India but you do have to make sure you keep your options open - as the point is made above, the whole aerospace industry is expanding like crazy out there and with expansion there are always risks and challenges.
More runways would be nice chaps please.
Fly safe, JMcB