An Indigo flight from Delhi to Srinagar, carrying 227 passenger, experience strong turbulence after it was caught in a sudden and violent hailstorm on Wednesday evening. The flights nose damage and passenger panic that has since gone viral on social media.
Panic Inside the IndiGo Flight – Video Goes Viral
Flight 6E2142, operating under IndiGo Airlines, encountered the freak weather event just as it was nearing Srinagar. A video shot by a passenger inside the flight has gone viral on social media. In the video, people can be seen screaming, crying, and praying as the plane shakes due to turbulence. Flashes of lightning were also seen outside the windows.
One passenger, Sheikh Samiullah, tweeted,
“I had a narrow escape while flying from Delhi to Srinagar. Hats off to the captain for the safe landing.”
TMC Leader on Board: “Thought My Life Was Over”
Among the passengers was Trinamool Congress (TMC) leader and journalist Sagarika Ghose, who described the flight as a “near-death experience.” She was traveling along with a five-member TMC delegation, including: Derek O’Brien, Nadimul Haque, Sagarika Ghose, Manas Bhunia and Mamata Thakur.
They were headed to Srinagar when the plane was caught in extreme weather.
“It was a near-death experience. I thought my life was over. People were screaming, praying, and panicking,” said Sagarika Ghose.
“Hats off to the pilot who brought us through that. When we landed, we saw the nose of the plane had blown up,” she added.
Delhi to Srinagar IndiGo Flight Pilot declares emergency, Lands Safely in Srinagar
Due to the intense turbulence and hail impact, the pilot declared an emergency with Air Traffic Control (ATC) in Srinagar. Despite the dangerous conditions, the aircraft managed to land safely at 6:30 PM.
While no injuries were reported, the ordeal left passengers in shock. A viral photo circulating online confirmed visible damage to the aircraft’s nose, though IndiGo has yet to release a detailed damage report.
In an official statement, IndiGo Airlines confirmed the incident:
“IndiGo flight 6E2142 operating from Delhi to Srinagar encountered a sudden hailstorm en route. The flight and cabin crew followed established protocols and the aircraft landed safely in Srinagar. Our airport team prioritized the well-being and comfort of customers upon arrival.”
The airline added that the aircraft will undergo inspection and maintenance before it is cleared for future flights.
