Indigo Flight from Delhi to Srinagar Makes Emergency Landing After Hailstorm Damages Nose Cone
Passengers Safe, Aircraft Grounded for Repairs
Srinagar, May 21, 2025: An Indigo flight (6E2142) operating from Delhi to Srinagar was forced to make an emergency landing at Srinagar International Airport on Wednesday evening after encountering severe hailstorm conditions, which damaged the aircraft’s nose cone. All 227 passengers and crew members on board were reported safe, but the aircraft was declared ‘Aircraft on Ground’ (AOG) due to significant damage, according to airport authorities.
Incident Details
The flight, which departed from Delhi’s Indira Gandhi International Airport, was preparing to land in Srinagar when it encountered turbulent weather marked by heavy hail and strong winds. The hailstones struck the aircraft, causing severe vibrations and damaging its nose cone, which houses critical radar equipment. Videos circulating on social media captured the chaos inside the cabin, with passengers visibly distressed, some screaming and others praying during the turbulent descent.
The pilot promptly alerted Srinagar Air Traffic Control (ATC) about the emergency and skillfully landed the aircraft safely at 6:30 PM IST. Emergency response teams were mobilized immediately, ensuring all passengers were safely evacuated and provided with necessary assistance at the airport.
Aircraft Damage and Repairs
Images shared on social media platforms revealed extensive damage to the aircraft’s nose cone, with visible dents and structural impairment. As a result, the aircraft has been temporarily grounded for a detailed inspection and necessary repairs. Indigo Airlines issued a statement confirming that the aircraft would undergo thorough maintenance before being cleared for service again.
In an official statement, Indigo said, “Flight 6E2142 from Delhi to Srinagar encountered unexpected hailstorm conditions en route. Following established protocols, the crew and pilots safely landed the aircraft in Srinagar. Our ground staff prioritized passenger safety and comfort, ensuring immediate assistance.”
Passenger Experiences
Owais Makbool Hakeem, a passenger on the flight, shared his experience on social media, stating, “It was a terrifying ordeal. The front of the plane was severely damaged, and everyone was scared, with some shouting in panic. Air Force police restricted access to the damaged section after landing.” Another passenger, Sheikh Samiulla, recounted, “The flight was normal until the pilot suddenly instructed us to fasten our seat belts. The turbulence was unlike anything I’ve experienced. We owe our lives to the pilot’s quick actions.”
Weather Conditions
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) attributed the incident to a cyclonic circulation over Haryana and adjoining areas, coupled with a trough extending from Punjab to Bangladesh. This weather system triggered heavy rainfall and hailstorms across Delhi-NCR and parts of northern India, disrupting several flights at Delhi’s international airport, with some being delayed or canceled.
Political Leaders Onboard
The flight was carrying five leaders from the Trinamool Congress (TMC), including Nadimul Haque, Sagarika Ghose, Derek O’Brien, Mamata Thakur, and Manas Bhuiyan, as confirmed by Shiv Sena (UBT) MP Priyanka Chaturvedi. All leaders were reported safe, with Chaturvedi commending the pilot’s timely decision-making for ensuring their safety.
Social Media Reactions
The incident quickly gained traction on social media, with passengers sharing videos and images of the damaged aircraft and praising the pilot and crew for their composure. “Salute to the brave pilot and crew,” wrote one user on X. Another commented, “The pilot’s expertise saved us all. Thank you for safely landing in such a dangerous situation.”
Broader Implications
This incident underscores the challenges of operating flights in India’s mountainous regions, where sudden weather changes, such as hailstorms, dense fog, and snow, pose significant risks. The successful handling of this emergency highlights the importance of well-trained crews, robust safety protocols, and effective coordination with ATC in ensuring passenger safety.
Aviation experts have called for authorities and airlines to learn from such incidents to enhance preparedness for unpredictable weather conditions. The focus remains on ensuring the safety of passengers and crew while addressing the operational challenges posed by extreme weather events.
