Varanasi may have to wait for 2 more days for Solar Impulse

Poor weather conditions hinder take-off from Ahmedabad; next possible departure on March 17

Talk of the town solar-powered aircraft, Solar Impulse 2 (Si2), which is in Ahmedabad as a part of its round the world tour, is likely to be grounded in here for a while owing to unfavourable weather conditions.

According to media spokesperson of the Si2 team, the next possible departure might be on Tuesday, March 17. The date, however, is subject to change, depending on weather conditions.

The flight is hangared at the Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport in Ahmedabad. It was scheduled to take off for Varanasi, the temple town in Uttar Pradesh on March 15. The date of departure has been delayed due to bad weather conditions in the city, which experienced some rains on Thursday afternoon.

Parts of the city and its adjoining areas also witnessed thunderstorms on Thursday night. According to weather forecast from the India Meteorological Department (IMD) rain and thundershowers are expected on Friday. Similar weather conditions are likely to remain for next two days.

Si2 had landed in Ahmedabad late Tuesday night, March 10 after taking off from Abu Dhabi the day before, and making a stopover at Muscat in Oman. The first zer-fuel aircraft is on a five month long world tour, that would include 25 flight days.

Founder and chairman of Solar Impulse Bertrand Piccard and CEO and engineer, Andre Borschberg are piloting the plane.