TAIPEI (Taiwan News) – The first charter flight from Thailand to Taitung was forced by strong crosswinds to make an unscheduled landing in Kaohsiung before heading to its original destination, reports said Saturday.

The flight, operated by Thai Lion Air, left Bangkok’s Don Mueang Airport at 5:30 a.m. and was scheduled to land at Taitung’s Fengnian Airport at 10 a.m. Saturday.

However, crosswinds persuaded the pilot to abandon a first attempt at landing and divert to Kaohsiung instead, per CNA. The Boeing 737-800 carrying 155 passengers refueled before taking off again at 12:20 p.m.

The flight arrived at its intended destination of Taitung at 12:40 p.m. to a welcome from county officials and passengers waiting to fly to Thailand. The county government said Saturday’s flight was the first step in boosting international air connections with Taitung, and in introducing the charms of the region to overseas visitors.