IndiGo Delhi-Srinagar Flight Hit by Turbulence: A Harrowing Mid-Air Ordeal
On May 21, 2025, IndiGo Delhi-Srinagar Flight Hit by Turbulence, flight (6E 2142) due to a sudden hailstorm, leaving passengers terrified and the aircraft with significant damage. The flight, carrying over 220 passengers, including a TMC political delegation, safely landed in Srinagar despite the terrifying mid-air ordeal. This incident has since sparked discussions on flight safety, pilot expertise, and the unpredictability of weather conditions.
What Happened on IndiGo Flight 6E 2142?
The Airbus A321 (VT-IMD) took off from Delhi at 5:00 PM and was scheduled to land in Srinagar by 6:30 PM. However, about 45 minutes into the flight, the aircraft was struck by an unexpected hailstorm, causing violent turbulence.
- Pilot Declared Emergency: The turbulence was so severe that the pilot declared an emergency with Srinagar Air Traffic Control (ATC)
- Panic Inside the Cabin: Passengers described screaming, crying, and praying as the plane shook violently. Overhead compartments rattled, and some passengers believed they were facing a “near-death experience”
- Nose Damage: Upon landing, passengers saw that the aircraft’s nose cone (radome) was severely damaged, likely due to hail impact
Passenger Accounts: “I Thought It Was My Last Flight”
Several passengers shared their traumatic experiences:
- Sagarika Ghose (TMC MP) called it a “near-death experience”, saying, “People were screaming, praying, and panicking. I thought my life was over. Hats off to the pilot who brought us through that.”
- Sheikh Samiullah (Startup Co-founder) said, “I’m a frequent flyer, but I’ve never experienced turbulence like this. It was terrifying. I’m truly grateful to the pilot.” 58.
- Owais Maqbool, another passenger, posted on X (formerly Twitter): “It was a near-death experience… the nose of the plane is damaged.”
Videos from inside the flight went viral on social media, showing passengers clutching their seats in fear as the aircraft swayed violently
How Did the Pilot Manage the Crisis?
Aviation experts praised the flight crew’s professionalism in handling the emergency:
- Manual Flying Required: Due to the hail damage, the pilot had to manually control the aircraft, a highly stressful task
- Emergency Protocols Followed: IndiGo confirmed that the crew adhered to safety procedures, ensuring a safe landing despite the extreme conditions
- Aircraft Grounded: The plane was declared “Aircraft on Ground” (AOG) for inspection and repairs
Mary Schiavo, a CNN aviation analyst, explained that hailstorms can breach aircraft noses but modern planes are designed to withstand such damage
IndiGo Delhi-Srinagar Flight Hit by Turbulence, Why Was the Weather So Dangerous ???
The turbulence was caused by a sudden hailstorm in the Delhi-NCR region, which also led to:
- Flight Diversions: Multiple flights from Delhi, Kolkata, and Chandigarh were delayed or diverted
- Wind Speeds of 70 km/h: The India Meteorological Department (IMD) reported heavy rain, hail, and gusty winds
- Heatwave Relief: The storm provided relief from Delhi’s 40°C+ temperatures but caused waterlogging and traffic disruptions
Has This Happened Before?
While turbulence-related incidents are not uncommon, this event drew comparisons to:
- Singapore Airlines Turbulence (2024): A passenger died, and 70+ were injured in severe turbulence
- Other Hail-Damaged Flights: Experts noted that hail can break nose cones, but planes can still land safely
Key Takeaways from the Incident
- Pilot Skill is Crucial – The safe landing highlights the importance of experienced pilots in emergencies.
- Weather Can Change Rapidly – Even with modern radar systems, sudden storms can catch flights off guard.
- Passenger Safety Protocols Matter – Fastening seatbelts when instructed can prevent injuries during turbulence.
- Aircraft Durability – Despite visible damage, planes are built to handle extreme conditions.
Conclusion: A Miracle Landing
The IndiGo Delhi-Srinagar flight’s safe landing is a testament to aviation safety measures and pilot expertise. While passengers endured a traumatic experience, the incident serves as a reminder of the unpredictability of air travel and the resilience of modern aircraft.
For those who were onboard, it was a day they will never forget—a brush with danger that ended thanks to quick thinking and technical precision.
Would you feel safe flying after such an incident? Let us know in the comments!
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