Daijiworld Media Network – New Delhi
New Delhi, May 22: A Delhi-to-Srinagar IndiGo flight (6E2142) carrying 227 passengers turned into a terrifying ordeal for fliers on Wednesday evening after it flew into a sudden hailstorm, causing severe turbulence and damaging the aircraft’s nose section midair.
Passengers, including children, were left traumatised as the aircraft shook violently, with chilling screams and cries echoing through the cabin. A viral video recorded by a passenger shows lightning flashing through the windows as the plane rattles, giving a glimpse into the terrifying experience.
"It felt like the plane was going to break apart. Everyone was screaming. I’ve never been this scared in my life," said one visibly shaken passenger upon landing.
The hailstorm, which struck unexpectedly over North India, prompted the pilot to immediately alert Air Traffic Control in Srinagar, declaring an in-flight emergency. Despite the unnerving experience, the pilot managed to land the aircraft safely at 6:30 PM at Srinagar Airport.
IndiGo confirmed the incident in a statement:
“Flight 6E2142 operating from Delhi to Srinagar encountered sudden hailstorm en route. The flight and cabin crew followed established protocol and the aircraft landed safely in Srinagar.”
The airline further assured that all passengers were attended to post-landing, with a priority placed on their well-being and comfort. While IndiGo refrained from detailing the extent of damage, images shared on social media revealed a dented nose cone, confirming the aircraft took a hit from the hailstorm.
The event comes on a day when Delhi-NCR was battered by powerful weather activity, with winds reaching 79 kmph, uprooting trees, damaging property, and causing major flight delays and metro disruptions. According to the India Meteorological Department (IMD), the intense weather was the result of a cyclonic circulation over Haryana and a moisture-laden trough stretching from Punjab to Bangladesh.
Meanwhile, the capital sweltered under scorching heat earlier in the day, with the heat index touching 50.2°C, worsened by high humidity and blazing sunshine.
IMD reported 12.2 mm of rainfall in just three hours between 5:30 PM and 8:30 PM in Safdarjung. While the maximum temperature hovered at 40.7°C, the abrupt shift in weather brought chaos across Delhi and its surrounding regions.
IndiGo has grounded the aircraft pending detailed inspection and maintenance before it can be cleared for future operations.
Fortunately, what could have been a major aviation tragedy was averted thanks to the quick thinking of the flight crew, even as investigations and airworthiness assessments continue.