Terrifying Mid-Air Turbulence: IndiGo Flight Hits Hailstorm, Lands Safely in Srinagar with Damaged Nose
May 22, 2025 | New Delhi
An IndiGo flight carrying 227 passengers from Delhi to Srinagar encountered severe mid-air turbulence on Wednesday evening after being caught in a violent hailstorm, leaving passengers in panic and damaging the aircraft’s nose.
Emergency Landing After Hailstorm
Flight 6E2142 was nearing Srinagar when it was struck by the hailstorm, forcing the pilot to declare an emergency with Air Traffic Control (ATC). Despite the extreme conditions, the pilot managed a safe landing at Srinagar Airport at 6:30 pm, though the aircraft sustained significant damage.
Passenger Panic Caught on Video
A viral video shot by a passenger showed hailstones battering the fuselage, causing violent shaking inside the cabin. Distressed cries filled the aircraft as passengers braced through the turbulence. Fortunately, all 227 passengers and crew were evacuated safely, but the aircraft was declared “Aircraft on Ground” (AOG) for urgent repairs.
🚨 BREAKING: IndiGo Flight’s Terrifying Ordeal – Hailstorm, Panic & Emergency Landing!
— PuneNow (@itspunenow) May 22, 2025
✈️ Flight: IndiGo 6E2142 (Delhi → Srinagar)
🕕 Time: 6:30 PM, May 21, 2025
👥 Onboard: 227 passengers + crew
🌪️ The Incident:
Mid-air chaos as flight encounters violent hailstorm
Severe… pic.twitter.com/6Ai4E3BmIg
Official Statements
An Airport Authority of India (AAI) official confirmed the emergency landing, stating:
“IndiGo flight 6E2142 en route Delhi to Srinagar experienced bad weather (hailstorm). The pilot reported an emergency to ATC Srinagar. All passengers and crew are safe.”
IndiGo released a statement assuring that safety protocols were followed:
“The flight crew adhered to standard procedures, and the aircraft landed safely. Passengers were attended to upon arrival, and the aircraft will undergo inspection before returning to service.”
Weather Disruptions in Delhi-NCR
The sudden hailstorm and heavy rain in Delhi-NCR were attributed to a cyclonic circulation over Haryana, as per the India Meteorological Department (IMD). This unexpected weather led to flight suspensions and diversions at Indira Gandhi International (IGI) Airport.
