New Delhi: Passengers onboard an Avianca Airlines flight were left shaken after the aircraft aborted two landing attempts at a mountain airport in the Colombian
city of Pasto, according to reports by the New York Post.
The incident involved Avianca Flight AV9401 which was attempting to land at the high-altitude airport located nearly 6,000 feet above sea level. During the first attempt, the aircraft came close to touching down before suddenly climbing back into the air. A second landing attempt was also abandoned moments before landing, leaving many passengers frightened inside the cabin.
Several travellers reportedly broke down in tears while others felt sick during the repeated attempts. The passengers in the flight later described the experience as “terrifying” and claimed there was very little communication from the crew during the tense moments.
ALERT: Frightened passengers openly praying as people cry, scream, and throw up after having to abort landing multiple times at a notorious mountain runway.
Avianca Airlines flight AV9401 from Bogotá, Colombia, to the remote city of Pasto was forced to divert twice due to thick… pic.twitter.com/N8L3E6LEgz
— E X X ➠A L E R T S (@ExxAlerts) May 27, 2026
Difficult airport conditions
The airports in the mountains are considered among the most challenging locations for pilots due to unpredictable winds, changing weather and steep landing approaches. Pasto’s airport is particularly known for requiring precise handling and specially trained flight crews.
According to reports, the weather conditions at the airport played a major role in the failed landing attempts. While the exact outcome of the flight was not immediately confirmed, the aircraft either landed safely later or was diverted to another airport.
Avianca Airlines defends pilots’ decision
Avianca later addressed the incident and defended the pilots’ decision to abort the landings. Speaking to Jam Press, an airline spokesperson said safety procedures require pilots to discontinue a landing if conditions are not suitable.
“When conditions are not safe, pilots must abort the manoeuvre and try again or divert. It is a completely normal part of aerial safety protocols,” the spokesperson said.
The airline also stressed that passenger safety remains its top priority and that go-arounds are a standard aviation safety measure used worldwide.
