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What began as a routine flight from Delhi to Srinagar turned into a nightmare for passengers aboard IndiGo flight 6E2142, after the aircraft was battered by a severe hailstorm mid-air on Wednesday evening. The terrifying incident caused structural damage to the plane and led to moments of panic inside the cabin. Thanks to the crew’s calm and composed response, the flight made a safe emergency landing at Srinagar Airport around 6:30 PM.
Fury in the Skies: Hailstorm Strikes Mid-Flight
As the aircraft approached Srinagar airspace, it encountered extreme turbulence and heavy hail, forcing the pilot to declare an emergency with Air Traffic Control (ATC). The aircraft's radome (nose cone) suffered visible damage from the hailstones, which pounded the aircraft’s fuselage with relentless force.
A video shared by a passenger captured the terrifying ordeal, hailstones hammering the plane, the cabin violently shaking, and passengers screaming and praying as fear spread through the cabin.
Emergency Declared, All Safe on Ground
Despite the intensity of the situation, the pilot and crew acted swiftly and professionally, managing to bring the aircraft down safely. Officials confirmed that all 227 passengers and crew members were evacuated unharmed.
"IndiGo flight 6E2142 enroute Delhi to Srinagar experienced bad weather (hail storm), emergency reported by Pilot to ATC SXR (Srinagar)," said an official from the Airport Authority of India.
The airline has since declared the aircraft as “Aircraft on Ground” (AOG) due to the extent of the damage, grounding it for necessary repairs.
While the situation could have turned tragic, the coordinated efforts of the flight crew, ATC, and ground support ensured the safety of all aboard. As weather-related disruptions become more frequent, this incident stands as a reminder of the challenges pilots face mid-air and the importance of calm, trained professionals in averting disaster.
