On May 21, 2025, an IndiGo flight (6E-2142) from Delhi to Srinagar encountered extreme turbulence due to a sudden hailstorm near Pathankot. The Airbus A321 Neo, carrying 227 passengers, including members of the Trinamool Congress (TMC), faced significant challenges mid-air.
In an attempt to navigate away from the severe weather, the flight crew initially sought permission from India’s Northern Control (operated by the Indian Air Force) to deviate towards the international border. This request was denied. Subsequently, the crew contacted Lahore Air Traffic Control (ATC) to enter Pakistani airspace to avoid the storm, but this request was also refused.
With limited options, the pilots decided to proceed through the storm. The aircraft experienced severe turbulence, leading to the disengagement of the autopilot and triggering multiple system warnings. At one point, the aircraft’s rate of descent reached 8,500 feet per minute. The crew manually controlled the aircraft until it exited the turbulent zone. A PAN-PAN emergency was declared to Srinagar ATC, and the flight landed safely at 6:30 PM local time.
Post-landing inspections revealed significant damage to the aircraft’s nose, likely caused by hail impact. Passengers recounted the ordeal as terrifying, with many praising the crew’s professionalism during the crisis.
The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has initiated an investigation into the incident to assess the sequence of events and evaluate any safety concerns arising from the situation .
