HomeNewsMid-Air Scare: IndiGo Flight Battles Hailstorm, Makes Emergency Landing in Srinagar

Mid-Air Scare: IndiGo Flight Battles Hailstorm, Makes Emergency Landing in Srinagar

Srinagar, May 2025 — Over 220 passengers aboard an IndiGo flight experienced a terrifying ordeal on Wednesday evening when their aircraft was caught in a sudden hailstorm mid-air while en route from Delhi to Srinagar. The severe turbulence forced the pilot to declare an emergency and alert air traffic control in Srinagar. Flight 6E 2142 eventually landed safely at 6:30 PM, officials confirmed. Despite the mid-air scare, no injuries were reported.

In a statement, IndiGo Airlines confirmed that the crew followed all standard operating procedures during the emergency and ensured a safe landing. “The flight and cabin crew followed established protocol and the aircraft landed safely in Srinagar,” the airline said.

The statement added that passengers were promptly attended to upon arrival, and the airline’s ground team prioritized their well-being. The aircraft, however, has been declared ‘Aircraft on Ground (AOG)’, meaning it will not be flown until it undergoes a full inspection and any necessary repairs.

Visuals circulating on social media showed visible damage to the aircraft’s nose cone, reportedly caused by the hailstorm. The airline has not yet released details on the extent of the damage. An official at Srinagar Airport assured that both crew and passengers were unharmed, adding that the aircraft would remain grounded pending technical evaluation.

“It Felt Like a Near-Death Experience.” Several shaken passengers took to social media to describe the traumatic experience. Owais Maqbool Hakeem, a passenger on the flight, posted on X (formerly Twitter):

“It was a near-death experience. The nose of the plane was damaged… people were screaming, everyone was scared.” In another post, he claimed that the right side of the aircraft was also affected and that the presence of air force security personnel restricted visibility near the damaged sections.

Another passenger, Sheikh Samiullah, told PTI: “I’ve flown many times, but this turbulence was unlike anything I’ve experienced. The pilot warned us to fasten our seatbelts, and then it started. It was terrifying. I truly thank the pilot for getting us down safely.” User am_aaqib echoed The sentiment in a post on X, expressing gratitude:

“We had a narrow escape. Special thanks to the captain and the cabin crew for managing everything so professionally.” The incident highlights the unpredictable nature of weather-related aviation hazards and the importance of pilot training and emergency response protocols.

Varshini
Varshini
I am Varshini, an Information Technology graduate with expertise in creating content that brings a lot of knowledge related to lifestyle. My articles cover topics such as fashion, beauty, technology, education, and travel, reflecting my enthusiasm for providing interesting and helpful information. In addition to my passion for writing, I enjoy watching movies, listening to music, and traveling. I am also interested in gaining knowledge about the new trends. You can view my social media profiles here.
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