Passengers Recall “Near-Death Experience” as Turbulence Shakes Delhi-Srinagar Flight
New Delhi: An IndiGo flight from Delhi to Srinagar, carrying over 220 passengers, faced a harrowing ordeal on Wednesday evening when it encountered a sudden hailstorm, leading to severe turbulence mid-air. The pilot declared an emergency but managed to land safely at Srinagar Airport at 6:30 PM, leaving the aircraft grounded for repairs.
Mid-Air Chaos: Hailstorm Triggers Panic
Flight 6E 2142 ran into inclement weather while approaching Srinagar, with hailstones violently striking the aircraft and causing significant damage to its nose cone, as seen in social media visuals. Passenger Owais Maqbool Hakeem described the incident as a “near-death experience,” noting widespread panic onboard. “The nose and right side of the plane were damaged… there was panic, and people were screaming,” Hakeem shared on X. Another passenger, Sheikh Samiullah, told PTI, “I thought the plane was going to crash… I’m a frequent flyer, but I’ve never experienced turbulence like this.” Despite the terror, passengers praised the pilot and cabin crew for their composure and skill in ensuring a safe landing.
Safe Landing Amid Damage: Aircraft Grounded
IndiGo confirmed the incident in a statement: “Flight 6E 2142 operating from Delhi to Srinagar encountered a sudden hailstorm en route. The flight and cabin crew followed established protocol, and the aircraft landed safely in Srinagar.” The airline added that the airport team prioritized passengers’ wellbeing and comfort post-landing. The aircraft, declared “Aircraft on Ground” (AOG) by the airline, is undergoing inspection and maintenance due to the damage sustained. A Srinagar Airport official confirmed that all aircrew and passengers are safe, though passengers were restricted from closely inspecting the aircraft due to the presence of Air Force police.
Weather Disruptions Across Delhi-NCR
The hailstorm was part of a broader weather event impacting Delhi-NCR, driven by a cyclonic circulation over Haryana, according to the India Meteorological Department. The severe weather, including heavy rain and winds up to 80 km/h, disrupted flight operations at Delhi’s Indira Gandhi International Airport, with several flights delayed or diverted. On the ground, the storm caused power outages, fallen trees, and traffic disruptions, though it brought relief from the ongoing heatwave.
Passenger Gratitude Amid Ongoing Investigation
Passengers expressed gratitude for the crew’s handling of the crisis. X user am_aaqib wrote, “We had a narrow escape… Special thanks to the captain and cabin crew.” The incident underscores the challenges of sudden weather events in aviation, highlighting the importance of rigorous safety protocols. While IndiGo has not detailed the full extent of the damage, the grounding of the aircraft suggests significant repairs are needed before it can fly again.