Over 200 passengers aboard IndiGo flight 6E 2142 from Delhi to Srinagar faced a harrowing ordeal on Wednesday evening when the aircraft encountered a sudden and violent hailstorm mid-air. The terrifying episode unfolded unexpectedly, sending panic through the cabin as the aircraft was battered by severe weather.
Despite the alarming turbulence and visible damage to the aircraft’s nose, the IndiGo flight landed safely at Srinagar airport around 6:30 PM. The airline confirmed in a statement that the flight and cabin crew handled the situation with professionalism, strictly adhering to established safety protocols.
“The airport team attended to the customers after arrival of the aircraft, prioritizing their well-being and comfort. The aircraft will be released post necessary inspection and maintenance,” IndiGo stated, assuring that all passengers and crew were safe.
Eyewitness accounts from those on board paint a chilling picture of the in-flight chaos. One passenger, Owais Maqbool, shared his experience on social media platform X, describing the incident as a “near-death experience.” “The nose of the plane is damaged… There was panic and people were screaming. Everyone was scared,” he recounted.
Airport officials at Srinagar confirmed the aircraft was immediately declared “aircraft on ground” by the airline, pending a full safety check.
Though the situation was brought under control and no injuries were reported, the emotional impact on the passengers is undeniable. The event serves as a stark reminder of the unpredictability of air travel and the importance of strict adherence to safety protocols, which in this case, likely prevented a tragic outcome.
For those on board, what began as a routine journey ended with shaken nerves and a renewed appreciation for life and safety in the skies.