An IndiGo flight operating from Delhi to Srinagar (flight 6E 2142) carrying over 220 passengers, faced a harrowing experience on Wednesday, May 21, 2025, when it encountered a sudden and severe hailstorm. The pilot, in an attempt to avoid the worst of the turbulence, requested permission from Lahore Air Traffic Control (ATC) to briefly enter Pakistani airspace. This request, however, was denied, forcing the flight to continue on its original path and endure significant turbulence.
The incident is currently under investigation by the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA). Sources indicate that the DGCA is looking into the circumstances surrounding the flight's encounter with the hailstorm and the subsequent turbulence.
According to reports, the IndiGo pilot contacted Lahore ATC while overflying Amritsar, seeking a deviation through Pakistani airspace to circumvent the turbulent weather. Despite the pilot's concerns and the presence of a hailstorm, the request was turned down. As a result, the aircraft continued on its planned route, leading to a period of intense turbulence that caused considerable distress among the passengers.
IndiGo issued a statement confirming that flight 6E 2142 had encountered a sudden hailstorm en route from Delhi to Srinagar. The airline asserted that the flight and cabin crew adhered to established protocols, and the aircraft safely landed in Srinagar. Upon arrival, the airport team attended to the passengers, prioritizing their well-being and comfort. The aircraft will undergo necessary inspections and maintenance before being released for further operations.
Among the passengers on board were five Members of Parliament from the Trinamool Congress: Derek O'Brien, Nadimul Haque, Sagarika Ghose, Manas Bhunia, and Mamata Thakur. Sagarika Ghose recounted the experience as "near-death," describing a scene of screaming, praying, and panicking passengers. She praised the pilot for safely navigating the aircraft through the ordeal. Ghose also noted that the nose of the plane appeared damaged upon landing. Videos circulating on social media captured the chaotic moments inside the aircraft, showing passengers visibly shaken as the plane rocked violently.
The denial of airspace access occurred against a backdrop of heightened tensions between India and Pakistan. Following the Pahalgam terror attack, which resulted in numerous fatalities, Pakistan has reportedly closed its airspace to Indian carriers. In response, India has also restricted Pakistani airlines from using Indian airspace. Recent reports indicate that the Indian government had closed approximately 25 flight routes that allow planes to enter Pakistan through Indian airspace on May 7, following the completion of Operation Sindoor.
