IndiGo Delhi-Srinagar flight encounters turbulence in bad weather; lands safely

An IndiGo flight en route from Delhi to Srinagar experienced a terrifying episode of turbulence on Wednesday, May 21, causing panic among passengers.

Despite the mid-air chaos, the aircraft landed safely in Srinagar, albeit with a damaged nose cone due to the hailstorm it encountered.

Hailstorm Triggers Panic Mid-Air

The turbulence occurred while the flight was cruising toward Srinagar, carrying over 220 passengers and crew members. Severe weather conditions, including a hailstorm, struck the aircraft mid-air, leading to moments of terror among those onboard.

According to official sources, the turbulence was intense enough for the pilot to declare an emergency with Air Traffic Control (ATC) at Srinagar. Passengers onboard the IndiGo flight 6E2142 reported frightening scenes inside the cabin, including loud thuds, shaking of the aircraft, and unrestrained crying and praying from fellow travelers.

Emergency Declared, Safe Landing Achieved

Airport Authority of India (AAI) officials confirmed that the flight safely landed at Srinagar’s Sheikh ul-Alam International Airport at 6:30 PM. “IndiGo flight 6E2142 en route from Delhi to Srinagar experienced bad weather conditions, including a hailstorm. An emergency was reported by the pilot to ATC at Srinagar,” said an AAI official.

“All 227 passengers and the aircrew are safe,” the official added. Although the landing was successful, the aircraft has been categorized as Aircraft on Ground (AOG) due to the damage sustained. AOG is an aviation term indicating that the aircraft is not fit for immediate takeoff and will undergo necessary technical inspections and repairs.

Chaos Captured on Video

Shortly after the incident, a video emerged on social media showing scenes of terror inside the plane. In the clip, passengers are seen clutching seats, crying, and some visibly panicking. The overhead compartments rattled violently, and the sound of wind and hail battering the aircraft’s fuselage can be heard clearly.

Many social media users who viewed the video expressed empathy and concern, praising the pilot and crew for their calm handling of the situation. “The flight crew did an incredible job keeping everyone safe under such stressful circumstances,” one comment read.

No Injuries Reported Despite Scary Conditions

Remarkably, despite the high-intensity turbulence, there were no reports of injuries among the passengers or crew members. Thanks to the pilot’s swift response and coordination with air traffic control, what could have been a disaster was averted.

IndiGo later released a statement confirming that all passengers were unharmed and the airline was working with the necessary authorities to inspect and repair the aircraft.

Passengers Recount the Horror

Several passengers who spoke to reporters after landing shared their traumatic experiences. “It felt like the plane was falling out of the sky. The shaking was violent, and people were screaming. Some were praying loudly, and I could see tears in many eyes,” one passenger said.

Another traveler described the moment the hailstorm struck as “sounding like rocks hitting a tin roof.” “We thought the plane wouldn’t make it. The fear was real,” he added.

Meteorological Warnings Ignored?

A few aviation analysts have raised questions regarding the weather preparedness and forecasting accuracy for that route. The region between Delhi and Srinagar is known for unpredictable weather patterns, particularly in May, when hailstorms and turbulent winds are not uncommon.

Some experts argue that flights in such corridors should be rerouted or delayed if meteorological warnings are present. However, it remains unclear if IndiGo had any forewarning of the severe storm system in its path.

Aircraft Declared AOG: What It Means

Following the landing, IndiGo officially declared the aircraft as AOG – Aircraft on Ground. This status indicates that the plane is temporarily grounded due to technical issues and cannot continue with its scheduled flights until it has been inspected and cleared by engineers.

The nose of the aircraft was reportedly damaged, likely due to the impact of large hailstones. While the aircraft did not suffer internal structural damage, IndiGo has assured passengers and aviation authorities that a full inspection will be conducted before the aircraft is cleared for flying again.

Srinagar Airport and Historical Context

Srinagar International Airport, also known as Sheikh ul-Alam Airport, has a complex history of civil and military aviation. In the past, it has come under NOTAM (Notice to Airmen), during heightened tensions between India and Pakistan. At times, all commercial flights have been suspended due to security reasons.

While this latest incident is unrelated to geopolitical tensions, it highlights the operational challenges and weather-related risks associated with flights to and from Srinagar.

Safety Protocols and Pilot Response Applauded

Despite the harrowing experience, aviation experts have praised the crew for adhering strictly to safety protocols. The pilot’s decision to declare an emergency, communicate with air traffic control, and execute a controlled landing was considered textbook.

“Situations like this test the training and instincts of a pilot. The crew handled it professionally, and everyone walked away unharmed. That’s a success story in aviation,” said a retired airline captain.

Conclusion: Relief and Praise After Crisis

Though the IndiGo flight faced a serious mid-air emergency, the successful landing and absence of injuries brought immense relief to families and aviation authorities alike. The incident serves as a reminder of the unpredictable nature of weather and the importance of preparedness and quick decision-making in air travel.

IndiGo has since launched an internal review and has assured passengers that their safety remains the airline’s highest priority. Meanwhile, the grounded aircraft will remain at Srinagar Airport until engineers assess and repair the damage.

Passengers may have experienced one of the most terrifying flights of their lives, but thanks to expert handling, it concluded safely—making it a day to remember for all the right reasons.