IndiGo Flight 6E2142 Faces Violent Hailstorm, Makes Emergency Landing in Srinagar, Saving 227 Passengers from Disaster

An IndiGo flight from Delhi to Srinagar with over 227 passengers onboard had a narrow escape on the evening of May 21, when it was caught in a sudden and violent hailstorm mid-air, prompting the pilot to declare an emergency and make a priority landing at Srinagar Airport.

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Mid-Air Panic as Hailstorm Hits

The flight, numbered 6E2142, had taken off from Delhi as scheduled and was en route to Srinagar when it encountered severe weather conditions, including intense hail and turbulence, as it neared the Kashmir Valley. Passengers on board reported terrifying scenes, with the aircraft shaking violently, luggage falling from overhead bins, and people screaming and praying as the plane was buffeted by high winds and hailstones.

According to the Airport Authority of India in Srinagar, the pilot of the aircraft contacted the Air Traffic Control (ATC) at Srinagar and declared an emergency due to the deteriorating weather and potential damage to the aircraft. The ATC responded swiftly, granting the flight immediate clearance for landing.

Despite poor visibility, gusty winds, and hail, the pilot managed to land the aircraft safely at 6:30 PM, averting what could have been a major tragedy. All 227 passengers and crew were reported safe and unharmed.

Visible Damage and Aircraft Grounded

After landing, it was discovered that the nose section of the aircraft, also known as the radome, had sustained visible damage, likely due to the impact of hailstones. Photographs and videos shared by passengers and aviation spotters on social media showed the front portion of the aircraft dented and broken, with parts of the outer shell ripped off.

The airline has since declared the aircraft AOG (Aircraft on Ground) status, meaning it will remain grounded for thorough inspection and necessary maintenance before being cleared to fly again.

First-Hand Accounts from Passengers

One of the passengers, Samiullah Sheikh, a CEO of a private firm, recounted the harrowing experience in an interview. “As soon as we neared Jammu or Pathankot, the captain asked us to fasten our seatbelts due to weather. Then the plane started shaking uncontrollably. For nearly five minutes, it felt like we were on a rollercoaster – it went up, down, left, and right. I thought we would crash. It was the most terrifying experience of my life,” he said.

Sheikh also posted a 30-second video on X (formerly Twitter), showing passengers gripping their seats tightly, some praying, and others visibly panicking as the plane rocked violently in the storm. He praised the pilot and crew for their composure and skill in landing the plane safely, calling them heroes.

Praise for the Crew and Pilot

IndiGo Airlines issued an official statement confirming the incident and praised the crew for following protocol and ensuring passenger safety. “Flight 6E 2142 operating from Delhi to Srinagar encountered a sudden hailstorm en route. The crew handled the situation professionally, and the aircraft landed safely,” the airline stated.

It added that after landing, their ground team immediately attended to the needs of the passengers, providing support and ensuring comfort in the aftermath of the scare.

Aviation officials and social media users alike praised the professionalism and skill of the pilot, who managed to land the damaged aircraft under extreme weather conditions without injuries or further incident.

Weather Woes Affect Other Flights

The incident comes amid widespread disruption in air travel across North India, with heavy rains, thunderstorms, and hail affecting major airports including Delhi, Chandigarh, and Kolkata. Both IndiGo and Air India have issued passenger advisories, asking flyers to check their flight status before heading to airports due to possible delays or cancellations.

Conclusion

While the hailstorm caused panic and damage, quick thinking by the flight crew, combined with prompt action from Srinagar ATC, prevented a disaster. The incident underscores the importance of aviation readiness, crew training, and rapid response in ensuring passenger safety during unpredictable weather events.

Authorities are now investigating the incident, and aviation safety checks are ongoing. Meanwhile, the incident has sparked wider conversations on the need for advanced weather tracking and real-time alerts to prevent such terrifying close calls in the future.

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