IndiGo Flight 6E-2142 Makes Emergency Landing in Srinagar After Severe Hailstorm: Watch the Video
Srinagar, May 21, 2025 – IndiGo flight 6E-2142, en route from Delhi to Srinagar, encountered a severe hailstorm mid-air on Wednesday evening, triggering intense turbulence and panic among the 227 passengers on board. The Airbus A321 (VT-IMD) sustained visible damage to its nose cone but landed safely at Srinagar’s Sheikh ul-Alam International Airport around 6:30 PM after the pilot declared an emergency to Air Traffic Control (ATC).
The harrowing incident unfolded as the aircraft approached Srinagar, with hailstones relentlessly striking the fuselage, causing the cabin to shake violently. Viral videos circulating on social media captured passengers screaming, praying, and gripping their seats as lightning illuminated the cabin. “It was a near-death experience. I thought my life was over,” said Trinamool Congress MP Sagarika Ghose, who was among a five-member TMC delegation on the flight, including Derek O’Brien, Nadimul Haque, Mamata Thakur, and Manas Bhuyan.
IndiGo issued a statement confirming the safe landing and commending the crew’s response: “IndiGo flight 6E 2142 operating from Delhi to Srinagar encountered a 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, prioritizing their well-being and comfort. The aircraft will be released post necessary inspection and maintenance.”
The aircraft has been declared “Aircraft on Ground” (AOG) due to damage to its nose (radome), likely caused by hail impact, and remains grounded for repairs. Aviation expert Amarnath Kumar noted, “The radome shows a large hole and extensive cracking, suggesting severe impact damage.”
Passengers praised the pilot’s skill in navigating the storm. “Hats off to the captain for the safe landing,” posted passenger Sheikh Samiullah on X. The India Meteorological Department attributed the sudden weather event to a cyclonic circulation over Haryana, coupled with a trough from Punjab to Bangladesh, which also brought heavy rain and winds up to 79 km/h to Delhi-NCR, disrupting flight operations.
All passengers and crew were safely evacuated, with no injuries reported. The incident has sparked discussions on social media about aviation safety in extreme weather, with many lauding the crew’s composure while others expressed concerns about the increasing frequency of such weather events.
