New Delhi, May 21, 2025 — Passengers aboard IndiGo flight 6E2142 faced a harrowing experience on Tuesday evening after the aircraft encountered sudden and severe turbulence en route from Delhi to Srinagar. The incident, caused by a powerful hailstorm, resulted in visible damage to the plane’s nose section and triggered widespread fear among those on board.
The Airbus A321 was carrying 227 passengers when it ran into unexpected turbulent weather during its descent toward Srinagar. Eyewitnesses described the aircraft shaking violently mid-air, with videos surfacing online showing passengers screaming and clinging to their seats. Several travellers reportedly recited prayers, fearing the worst as the aircraft battled the weather.
Among the passengers was a delegation from the Trinamool Congress (TMC), including Rajya Sabha MP Sagarika Ghose, who later described the situation as “life-threatening.” According to those on board, the turbulence lasted several minutes and created panic throughout the cabin.
The flight crew promptly initiated emergency protocols and communicated with Srinagar Air Traffic Control, requesting a priority landing. Despite the chaos inside the aircraft, the pilots managed to land safely at Sheikh ul-Alam International Airport around 6:30 PM. No injuries were reported, and emergency personnel were on standby at the airport.
Following the incident, IndiGo released an official statement confirming that the aircraft had been struck by a hailstorm, which caused damage to the aircraft’s radome, the protective nose covering that houses critical navigation equipment. The airline emphasized that all standard safety procedures were followed, and the safety of passengers was never compromised.
The aircraft has since been grounded for a full technical inspection and repairs. Initial images of the damage, shared across social media, reveal a dented and cracked nose cone, highlighting the force of the hail impact.
Aviation experts note that while turbulence is a routine hazard in aviation, the increasing frequency and intensity of such weather events may be linked to shifting climate patterns. The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) is expected to launch a detailed inquiry into the event, reviewing both weather forecasts and flight operations to determine if any additional safety measures are required.
This incident has reignited conversations about the adequacy of real-time weather monitoring systems available to Indian carriers and the need for improved forecasting tools. With domestic air traffic in India seeing significant growth, experts argue that enhanced in-flight weather response capabilities are more important than ever.
Despite the terrifying experience, passengers have widely praised the composure and professionalism of the flight crew. Their swift response and adherence to safety procedures were crucial in ensuring a safe landing under extreme conditions.
