Terrifying Mid-Air Ordeal for IndiGo: Delhi to Srinagar
An IndiGo flight from Delhi to Srinagar carrying over 220 passengers, including TMC MPs, narrowly escaped disaster on May 21 after being caught in a severe hailstorm mid-air. According to a report from the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), the flight crew attempted to avoid the dangerous weather by requesting entry into Pakistan’s airspace—but were denied by authorities across the border, further intensifying the life-threatening situation.
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What Led to the Crisis Midair?
Flight 6E-2142 was cruising at an altitude of approximately 36,000 feet near Pathankot in Punjab when it encountered extreme weather conditions. The aircraft was hit by a powerful hailstorm and turbulence that forced the autopilot to disengage. Pilots had to take manual control of the aircraft under increasingly dangerous conditions.
The hailstorm also caused visible physical damage to the aircraft, including a heavily dented nose cone, likely from the intense impact of ice particles during the storm.
Pilot’s Attempt to Avoid the Storm
With storm clouds directly ahead and passenger safety in jeopardy, the pilot first contacted Northern Air Traffic Control, operated by the Indian Air Force (IAF), seeking clearance to divert toward the international border to steer clear of the storm. However, due to heightened tensions following Operation Sindoor between May 7–10 and the ongoing security situation, the request was not approved.
Following this, the pilot turned to Lahore Air Traffic Control (Pakistan) for emergency access into their airspace to escape the storm. Pakistan, however, also denied the request, as per the DGCA report, thereby leaving the flight crew with no option but to brave the turbulent weather.
Severe Turbulence, Updrafts, and Downdrafts
The decision to continue toward Srinagar via the shortest possible path meant flying through a violent thunderstorm. The plane faced intense updrafts and downdrafts—vertical air movements that can rapidly change an aircraft’s altitude and direction.
This led to a sudden descent rate of 8,500 feet per minute, which is considered extremely dangerous in aviation. The aircraft also received repeated stall warnings, and exceeded the Maximum Operating Speed (VMO) and Maximum Operating Mach (MMO), setting off multiple in-flight alarms.
Social media was flooded with disturbing videos from passengers onboard, showing people screaming, crying, and praying during the sudden drops and shakes.
How the Pilot Managed a Safe Landing
Despite the storm and refusal of alternate airspace, the crew executed emergency protocols with discipline. After performing the required ECAM (Electronic Centralized Aircraft Monitoring) actions, the pilot declared a ‘PAN PAN’ emergency—a signal less urgent than a ‘Mayday’ but still critical—to alert Srinagar ATC.
The crew then requested RADAR vectors from ATC to align the aircraft safely with the runway. Auto Thrust systems resumed normal operation during descent, and the aircraft finally landed safely at Srinagar airport.
Political and Security Context
This near-tragic event comes against the backdrop of strained India-Pakistan aviation ties. Following the Pahalgam terror attack on April 22, India restricted its airspace access for Pakistani carriers. In response, Pakistan reciprocated by closing its skies to Indian flights, which likely influenced the denial from Lahore ATC.
Calls for Review of Emergency Protocols
The incident has raised serious questions about international aviation protocols, especially when human lives are at stake. Experts and civil aviation analysts argue that political boundaries should not override emergency safety concerns in such critical situations.
The DGCA is likely to review its policies following the incident, and it may initiate diplomatic discussions for future emergency flight path cooperation, particularly over volatile border zones.An IndiGo flight from Delhi to Srinagar carrying over 220 passengers, including TMC MPs, narrowly escaped disaster on May 21 after being caught in a severe hailstorm mid-air. According to a report from the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), the flight crew attempted to avoid the dangerous weather by requesting entry into Pakistan’s airspace—but were denied by authorities across the border, further intensifying the life-threatening situation.
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