A Delhi-Srinagar IndiGo flight carrying over 220 passengers, including several Members of Parliament, encountered a terrifying mid-air hailstorm and severe turbulence on Wednesday. In a dramatic turn of events, the pilot’s emergency request to Lahore Air Traffic Control (ATC) for temporary entry into Pakistani airspace to avoid the extreme weather was reportedly denied, forcing the aircraft to brave the storm on its original trajectory.
Flight 6E 2142, departing from Delhi, was en route to Srinagar when it unexpectedly encountered a sudden and violent hailstorm while flying over Amritsar. Passengers onboard described a harrowing experience, with screams and panic erupting as the aircraft was violently tossed about. Videos shared on social media depicted the intense fear within the cabin, showing distressed passengers praying and clinging to their seats.
Sources close to the incident revealed that as the pilot observed the ominous weather ahead, a request was promptly made to Lahore ATC for clearance to deviate through Pakistani airspace. This maneuver, a common practice in aviation for safety reasons during adverse weather, was intended to bypass the worst of the turbulence. However, the request was rejected.
With no alternative, the pilot of the Airbus A321 was compelled to continue on the pre-determined flight path, enduring the full force of the hailstorm. Despite the intense ordeal, the pilot exhibited remarkable skill and composure, successfully navigating the aircraft through the turbulent conditions. The flight ultimately landed safely at Srinagar International Airport, though post-landing inspections revealed significant damage to the aircraft’s nose cone (radome).
IndiGo released a statement confirming the safe landing of flight 6E 2142 and stated that “all customers were attended to upon landing and no injuries were reported.” The airline further added that the aircraft is currently undergoing “necessary inspection and maintenance” and will resume operations once all clearances are secured.
Among the passengers were a five-member delegation from the Trinamool Congress, including prominent figures like Derek O’Brien and Sagarika Ghose. Speaking after the landing, Ghose described the experience as a “near-death experience,” commending the pilot for their exceptional handling of the emergency.
The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has initiated an investigation into the incident, seeking a detailed report from IndiGo.
The denial of airspace access by Pakistan highlights the strained relations between the two countries. Following past geopolitical tensions, both India and Pakistan have closed their respective airspaces to each other’s commercial carriers. While such restrictions are typically maintained, aviation experts often argue that emergency situations involving passenger safety should supersede political considerations. This incident underscores the critical challenges faced by airlines when navigating highly sensitive airspaces during unforeseen weather emergencies.