An IndiGo flight carrying 227 passengers from Delhi to Srinagar was caught in terrifying mid-air turbulence on Wednesday evening, sending those onboard into a panic and causing visible damage to the aircraft’s nose.
Flight 6E2142 was nearing its destination when it was battered by a hailstorm. The pilot declared an emergency with Air Traffic Control before managing to safely land the aircraft at Srinagar Airport at 6.30 pm. However, the dramatic ordeal left passengers shaken.
A viral video, shot by a passenger inside the aircraft, showed hailstones relentlessly striking the fuselage, causing the cabin to shake violently. The footage captured passengers in visible distress, with cries and panic spreading through the cabin as the plane navigated the severe weather patch.
Reports from the scene confirm that all passengers and crew members were evacuated safely from the aircraft after landing. However, the aircraft sustained damage significant enough for the airline to declare it “Aircraft on Ground” (AOG), grounding it for urgent repairs.
“Indigo flight 6E2142 enroute Delhi to Srinagar experienced bad weather (hail storm), emergency reported by Pilot to ATC SXR (Srinagar),” an official of the Airport Authority of India said.
“All Aircrew and 227 passengers are safe and flight is declared AOG by Airline,” he added.
IndiGo also issued an official statement concerning the incident and said that the plane landed safely at Srinagar Airport.
“IndiGo flight 6E 2142 operating from Delhi to Srinagar encountered sudden hailstorm en route. The flight and cabin crew followed established protocol and the aircraft landed safely in Srinagar. The airport team attended to the customers after arrival of the aircraft, prioritising their wellbeing and comfort. The aircraft will be released post necessary inspection and maintenance,” the statement read.
