A Srinagar-bound IndiGo flight from Delhi encountered a sudden hailstorm and severe turbulence on Wednesday, prompting the pilot to declare an emergency to air traffic control before safely landing the aircraft in Srinagar at 6:30 pm.
The flight, carrying over 220 passengers, faced unexpected harsh weather conditions mid-air. According to an official statement by IndiGo, the flight and cabin crew strictly followed established safety protocols, ensuring the safe landing of the aircraft. “IndiGo flight 6E 2142 operating from Delhi to Srinagar encountered sudden hailstorm en route. The flight and cabin crew followed established protocol and the aircraft landed safely in Srinagar,” the airline confirmed.
The airline further stated that the airport team prioritized passenger wellbeing and comfort upon arrival. The plane is currently undergoing necessary inspections and maintenance before being cleared for further operations.
Visuals circulating on social media revealed visible damage to the aircraft’s nose. An official at Srinagar airport confirmed that the aircraft has been declared ‘Aircraft on Ground’ (AOG), meaning it is temporarily grounded due to technical issues.
Passengers described the experience as harrowing. Owais Maqbool Hakeem, who was on board, called it a “near-death experience,” sharing that the plane’s nose and right side were damaged and that there was widespread panic among passengers. “There was panic and people were screaming. Everyone was scared,” he posted on the micro-blogging platform X.
Another passenger, Sheikh Samiullah, told PTI that he feared the plane might crash. “I’m a frequent flyer, but I’ve never experienced turbulence like this. It was terrifying. I’m truly grateful to the pilot for landing us safely,” he said.
Passengers also praised the professionalism of the pilot and cabin crew in managing the situation amid the sudden storm. One user on X expressed gratitude, saying, “We had a narrow escape from the Delhi to Srinagar IndiGo flight. Special thanks to the captain and cabin crew.”
The airline did not disclose the full extent of the damage but assured that safety remains the top priority as the aircraft undergoes a thorough inspection.
Sources By Agencies