In a dramatic mid-air incident on Tuesday evening, an IndiGo flight (6E2142) from Delhi to Srinagar was struck by a severe hailstorm just as it was approaching its destination. The turbulence caused visible damage to the aircraft’s nose cone, but thanks to the timely response by the pilot and crew, the flight landed safely at Srinagar Airport around 6:30 PM.
Emergency Declared, All 227 Passengers Safe
According to the Airport Authority of India, the pilot declared an emergency with Air Traffic Control (ATC) due to the intense weather conditions. Despite the turbulence, the aircraft could complete its descent and land safely. All 227 passengers and crew members were unharmed and were promptly assisted after landing.
An official stated,
“IndiGo flight 6E2142 en route Delhi to Srinagar experienced a hailstorm. Emergency was reported by the pilot to ATC Srinagar. All passengers and crew are safe. The aircraft is declared AOG (Aircraft on Ground) by the airline.”
The aircraft will remain grounded for further inspection and repairs.
What Caused the Sudden Storm?
Earlier that evening, Delhi-NCR was hit by a sudden and intense hailstorm, bringing heavy rain, dust storms, and gusty winds. According to the India Meteorological Department (IMD), this shift in weather was triggered by a cyclonic circulation over Haryana, along with an east-west trough extending from Punjab to Bangladesh at low atmospheric levels.
This weather pattern not only grounded the IndiGo flight but also disrupted flight operations at Delhi’s Indira Gandhi International (IGI) Airport, forcing delays, diversions, and suspensions of several domestic and international flights.
🛑 Delhi Airport Advisory Issued
In response to the chaos, Delhi Airport authorities issued an advisory, warning travellers about potential delays due to thunderstorms and advised them to check with airlines for real-time updates.
“Due to inclement weather and thunderstorms in Delhi, flight operations may get impacted. Our teams are working with all stakeholders to ensure passenger safety and smooth operations,” said the advisory.
IndiGo’s Official Statement
IndiGo confirmed the event, stating:
“Flight 6E2142 encountered a hailstorm en route. The crew followed all protocols and landed the aircraft safely. All passengers were attended to upon arrival. The aircraft will undergo inspection before being released.”
While nature’s fury caught many by surprise, quick thinking by the IndiGo crew ensured everyone made it to their destination safely. As weather patterns grow more unpredictable, this incident is a reminder of the need for real-time alerts, passenger preparedness, and robust emergency response systems.
