An IndiGo flight from Delhi to Srinagar encountered terrifying turbulence due to a sudden hailstorm, causing panic among over 220 passengers onboard. Despite the chaotic moments and the plane sustaining minor damage to its nose, the flight declared an emergency and landed safely in Srinagar. Passengers described the experience as near-death, with many praying as the aircraft shook violently mid-air. The incident coincided with severe weather disrupting the Delhi-NCR region, highlighting the challenges faced by air travel during sudden storms.
Severe Turbulence and Emergency Landing
On Wednesday, IndiGo flight 6E2142 faced unexpected severe turbulence caused by a hailstorm while en route to Srinagar. The pilot promptly informed the Srinagar Air Traffic Control (ATC) of the emergency, seeking immediate assistance. Videos shared on social media captured the tense moments inside the cabin, where passengers were seen screaming, crying, and offering prayers amid the shaking plane. Overhead bins rattled, and the cabin was engulfed in panic as the plane struggled through the storm.
An official from the Airport Authority of India confirmed the emergency declaration and stated that the aircraft landed safely at Srinagar airport around 6:30 pm. Although IndiGo did not officially confirm any damage, multiple reports and passenger testimonies indicated the aircraft’s nose sustained damage from the hailstorm. The airline labeled the aircraft as AOG (Aircraft on Ground), meaning it will undergo technical inspection and maintenance before returning to service.
Passenger Reactions and Weather Impact on Delhi-NCR
Several passengers described the incident as a terrifying near-death experience. Among them, TMC MP Sagarika Ghose praised the pilot for his skillful handling of the crisis and described the distress inside the cabin as passengers screamed and prayed for safety. Another passenger recounted the pilot’s sudden announcement about rough weather ahead, followed shortly by intense turbulence that made passengers fear the worst.
The severe weather also brought heavy rain, hailstorms, and strong winds to the Delhi-NCR region, offering relief from a prolonged heatwave. The India Meteorological Department reported high-speed winds reaching up to 70 kmph and explained the storm’s cause as a cyclonic circulation over Haryana combined with atmospheric disturbances extending from Punjab to Bangladesh. The storm caused uprooted trees, waterlogging, and flight disruptions at Delhi’s Indira Gandhi International Airport.
Despite the chaos onboard and challenging weather conditions on the ground, the IndiGo flight safely completed its journey, highlighting the resilience and preparedness of the crew and emergency response teams during adverse conditions.
