By News18
Flight delays are usually frustrating—cramped seats, restless waiting, and travel plans thrown off. But for one lucky traveller, a delay turned into an unforgettable experience in the skies above Ladakh.
During a flight from Delhi to Leh, the pilot announced that the plane couldn’t land because all the parking bays at the airport were full. As a result, the aircraft had to circle above Ladakh for over an hour. What might have been an inconvenience became a breathtaking aerial tour for those lucky enough to have window seats.
While middle and aisle passengers might’ve groaned, those by the windows were treated to jaw-dropping views of Ladakh’s surreal, snow-kissed mountains and winding valleys. The traveller, on his first solo trip to the region, called it “the most beautiful delay” he’d ever experienced.
Taking to Instagram, the traveller wrote, “Wait for the views. Pilot: The runway’s busy, enjoy the bonus Ladakh tour. Me: Best delay of my life. This is from my first-ever solo trip to Ladakh. Took a morning IndiGo flight from Delhi to Leh, got lucky with a window seat and just when I thought the journey was about to end, we couldn’t land. Not once, but twice. The pilot circled above Ladakh for nearly 1 hour, giving us a surreal aerial tour. I was in awe, filming everything on my iPhone, hands down the most beautiful delay I’ve ever experienced.”
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A post shared by Kushal Gandhi (@kushal.stories)
Reacting to the post, a user wrote, “I’ll pay extra for such delays.”
Another shared, “Had a similar experience and definitely can’t complain.”
“Aisle and middle seat people crying,” a comment read.
An individual stated, “The view from a plane of Ladakh is mesmerising. I have seen it and it is one of the best things to see in the world. Everyone should experience it in their lifetime.”
Another mentioned, “This is nothing but ur manifestation coming true.”
One more added, “They talk about a bike trip to Ladakh, but an aerial view of Ladakh is even more beautiful.”
In May, when tensions between India and Pakistan increased at the border, several airports in the area were closed to keep everyone safe. One of the airports affected was Leh Airport. Because of the sudden shutdown, many travellers were stranded in the region with no way to leave. To help such passengers, the All Ladakh Hotel and Guest House Association (ALHAGHA) stepped in. They had announced that anyone who stayed longer due to cancelled flights would not be charged extra for their hotel stay.
Link – https://www.cntraveller.in/story/ladakh-hoteliers-bail-out-stranded-tourists-with-free-stays