An IndiGo Airlines flight from Delhi to Srinagar experienced a terrifying episode of mid-air turbulence on Wednesday evening, leading to panic among passengers and prompting an emergency response.
The incident, which occurred amid harsh weather conditions in the national capital, has gone viral on social media after videos emerged showing passengers screaming and praying during the flight.
Flight 6E2142, carrying over 220 passengers, encountered a sudden hailstorm en route to Srinagar.
Passengers captured alarming scenes inside the aircraft, revealing visible fear and chaos.
Loud prayers and cries echoed through the cabin as the plane was jolted by intense turbulence.
In response, the pilot reported the situation to air traffic control in Srinagar, categorising it as an ’emergency’. Fortunately, the aircraft landed safely at Srinagar Airport at 6.30 PM.
IndiGo issued a statement confirming the incident: “Indigo flight 6E2142 operating from Delhi to Srinagar encountered sudden hailstorm enroute. The flight and cabin crew followed established protocol and the aircraft landed safely in Srinagar.”
The airline assured that the airport ground team immediately attended to the passengers, prioritising their comfort and well-being upon arrival.
The aircraft is currently undergoing mandatory inspection and maintenance before it is cleared for service.
Images circulating online suggest visible damage to the nose cone of the aircraft, allegedly caused by hail impact.
However, no official confirmation of structural damage has been provided by authorities.
The turbulence is part of a broader weather-related disruption in North India. Several flights to and from Delhi, both domestic and international, were delayed or diverted due to the storm.
Airport officials confirmed multiple operational halts caused by heavy rainfall and gusty winds.
Both IndiGo and Air India released advisories urging passengers to verify their flight status before heading to the airport.
“#6ETravelAdvisory: Heavy rain and thunderstorm in #Delhi, #Chandigarh and #Kolkata is impacting flights. We understand weather delays are never easy, we sincerely appreciate your patience. Do check your flight status before heading to the airport bit.ly/3ZWAQXd,” IndiGo posted on X (formerly Twitter).
Air India also cautioned, “Rain and thunderstorms may disrupt flights to/from Delhi this evening.”
According to the India Meteorological Department (IMD), Delhi witnessed a thunderstorm accompanied by lightning, rain, and winds reaching speeds of up to 60 km/h.
The city recorded its highest minimum temperature of the season at 30.2 °C – 3.5°C above normal.
The IMD has issued an orange alert for May 21, forecasting continued thunderstorms, rain, and winds possibly reaching 70 km/h.
For May 22 and 23, a yellow alert remains in place. The air quality was reported as poor, with the AQI at 201 as of 9 am.
While no injuries have been reported, the incident highlights the potential hazards of flying during adverse weather.
The safe landing is a testament to the skill and protocol adherence of the flight crew, but the viral panic onboard underscores the psychological toll such incidents can have on passengers.
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