IndiGo's 'Damaged Nose' Delhi To Srinagar Flight Lands Safely After Being Hit By Hailstorm

An IndiGo flight scheduled between Delhi to Srinagar was hit by a strong hailstorm on Wednesday, and shockingly, the nose of the plane got damaged. Photos and videos of the plane are doing round the internet, which have raised concerns among the flyers, who pay hefty amounts just for comfort, convenience, and safety.

Despite the adverse conditions, the crew of Indigo flight 6E2142 successfully managed a safe landing at Srinagar Airport, ensuring the well-being of all onboard.

The occurrence prompted the pilot to urgently communicate with Air Traffic Control (ATC), declaring an emergency situation due to the severe weather turbulence encountered mid-flight. A video capturing the event from within the aircraft vividly portrayed the intensity of the hailstorm. It showed hailstones battering the fuselage relentlessly, causing the cabin to quiver intensely. This resulted in a palpable sense of panic among the passengers, with audible cries reflecting the distressful atmosphere as the plane persevered through the storm.

Safeguarding the passengers and crew was the top priority following the precarious landing. Reports confirmed that everyone aboard was evacuated without harm. However, the aircraft suffered damage severe enough to necessitate its temporary withdrawal from service for critical repairs, rendering it "Aircraft on Ground" (AOG) as termed by the airline.

An official from the Airport Authority of India elaborated on the challenges faced during the flight, stating, "Indigo flight 6E2142 enroute Delhi to Srinagar experienced bad weather (hail storm), emergency reported by Pilot to ATC SXR (Srinagar)." He further assured that all 227 passengers, along with the aircrew, were safe post-evacuation, highlighting the immediate declaration of the flight as AOG by the airline to address the necessary maintenance.

IndiGo, responding to the incident, issued a statement emphasizing the efficacy of the established safety protocols which guided the crew towards ensuring a safe landing. "The flight and cabin crew followed established protocol and the aircraft landed safely in Srinagar. The airport team attended to the customers after arrival of the aircraft, prioritising their wellbeing and comfort. The aircraft will be released post-necessary inspection and maintenance," the airline conveyed, underlining its commitment to passenger safety and service integrity.

Here's What IMD Said:

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) attributed this sudden change in weather to a cyclonic circulation over Haryana and nearby areas. This phenomenon is part of an east-west trough extending from Punjab to Bangladesh at lower tropospheric levels, significantly influencing the current weather dynamics. This abrupt weather shift also impacted flight operations at Indira Gandhi International (IGI) Airport, leading to the suspension or diversion of several domestic and international flights.