Panic in the Skies: IndiGo Delhi-Srinagar Flight Hit by Hailstorm, Denied Entry to Pakistani Airspace

An IndiGo Airlines flight traveling from Delhi to Srinagar on Wednesday faced a terrifying ordeal when it encountered a sudden hailstorm near its destination. The aircraft, flight 6E 2142, was carrying 227 passengers, including five Trinamool Congress (TMC) leaders, when it hit severe turbulence over Amritsar. In a bid to navigate away from the dangerous weather, the pilot requested permission from Lahore Air Traffic Control to briefly enter Pakistani airspace. However, the request was denied, according to sources cited by PTI.

Due to this denial, the flight maintained its original path and flew directly into the turbulent zone. The hailstorm caused visible damage to the aircraft’s nose, and the intense shaking triggered panic inside the cabin. Passengers screamed, prayed, and feared for their lives, with TMC leader Sagarika Ghose calling it a "near-death experience."

As conditions worsened, the pilot declared an emergency and coordinated with Srinagar airport’s air traffic control. Fortunately, the flight landed safely at 6:30 PM, and all passengers and crew were safely evacuated. However, the aircraft was immediately classified as 'Aircraft on Ground' to undergo urgent inspection and repairs.

In a statement released on the same day, IndiGo confirmed that the flight had encountered a hailstorm but reassured the public that “all customers were attended to upon landing” and “no injuries were reported.” The airline also noted that the aircraft would resume operations only after completing the necessary maintenance and safety checks.

Among the passengers were prominent Trinamool Congress MPs, including Derek O'Brien, Nadimul Haque, Sagarika Ghose, Manas Bhunia, and Mamata Thakur. Following the incident, Ghose praised the pilot's composure and skill, stating, “Hats off to the pilot who brought us through that.” She added that when the passengers disembarked, they were shocked to see that “the nose of the plane had blown up.”

Videos from the flight went viral on social media, showing chaotic scenes inside the cabin as the aircraft shook violently. Passengers could be seen praying and gripping seats tightly amid the storm.

This incident highlights the risks associated with restricted airspace during adverse weather conditions, especially given the current diplomatic tensions between India and Pakistan. Pakistan's refusal to allow Indian aircraft into its airspace aligns with its broader airspace ban following the Pahalgam terror attack, which killed at least 26 people. In retaliation, India also closed its airspace to Pakistani carriers.

The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has launched an investigation into the incident, focusing on the turbulence, the hailstorm, and the rejection of the Pakistani ATC request. For now, the aviation world is lauding the pilot’s presence of mind, which saved over 220 lives.