A Maharashtra government helicopter carrying Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde turned back to Mumbai mid-flight on Thursday after encountering bad weather, an official said. The aircraft had departed Mahalaxmi Racecourse at 3.30 pm for Murbad in Thane district to attend a party worker’s family wedding.

As the helicopter approached Airoli in Navi Mumbai, the pilot sighted an approaching storm and alerted Shinde, who ordered a return to Mumbai, the official said. The aircraft subsequently landed at Pawan Hans’ Juhu facility.

Shinde was accompanied by personal assistant Prabhakar Kale, special executive officer Balsingh Rajput and media adviser Vinay Patrdukar, the official said. All occupants disembarked safely and no injuries were reported.

Authorities confirmed the flight adhered to standard protocols during the weather diversion. No further flights for Shinde were scheduled immediately, and routine operations are expected to resume pending weather clearance.