Picture Credits: X
New Delhi, India: An IndiGo flight en route from Delhi to Srinagar was forced to declare an emergency after encountering severe turbulence during its descent on Tuesday afternoon. The Airbus A321neo, operating as Flight 6E2142, was carrying 227 passengers and crew when it flew into a strong hailstorm, causing substantial damage to the aircraft’s nose cone, including the weather radar housed within.
According to preliminary reports, the incident occurred shortly before landing, when the aircraft encountered adverse weather over Jammu and Kashmir. The hail impact severely compromised the aircraft’s radome, a critical component responsible for weather monitoring and navigation.
In a statement, IndiGo confirmed:
“Flight 6E2142 operating from Delhi to Srinagar encountered hail during descent. The aircraft sustained damage to its radome and was met by emergency services upon landing. All passengers and crew are safe.”
The aircraft landed safely at Srinagar Airport around 3:15 PM local time. Emergency protocols were immediately initiated, and airport fire and medical teams were placed on alert until the aircraft came to a stop at the terminal. No injuries were reported.
Aircraft Damage and Investigation
Images circulating on social media show the aircraft’s nose visibly caved in and scraped, a common visual after hail encounters at high altitudes. Though the damage appears limited to the aircraft’s forward fuselage, a technical team has grounded the plane for inspection and repairs.
A senior Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) official told The Economic Times that a probe has been initiated:
“The aircraft was flying through a thundercloud zone. We are examining flight data and weather briefings to determine whether any SOPs were bypassed.”
Rising Cases of Weather-Linked Incidents
This is not the first time severe weather has triggered concern in Indian skies. In recent months, there has been a marked rise in incidents attributed to climate volatility, including unexpected wind shear, microbursts, and unpredicted hail pockets especially across northern India during pre-monsoon months.
Aviation safety experts stress that while modern aircraft are built to withstand extreme conditions, increased unpredictability of weather systems necessitates better forecasting and tactical decision-making in the cockpit.
Passengers React
Several passengers described the turbulence as “intense and sudden,” lasting for about 3–5 minutes. “The aircraft suddenly jolted and started shaking hard. Some passengers screamed. It was very scary,” one passenger told news outlet NDTV.
VIDEO | Inside visuals of Srinagar-bound IndiGo flight from Delhi that suffered mid-air turbulence due to severe weather conditions. The pilot declared an "emergency" to air traffic control in Srinagar. The aircraft later landed safely and has since been grounded, officials… pic.twitter.com/v1zp1VbW9J
— Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) May 21, 2025
IndiGo has offered affected passengers compensation and the airline’s support teams are reportedly in contact with all onboard.
The DGCA is expected to issue a new advisory on hailstorm avoidance procedures during the upcoming monsoon season. Aircraft damage due to weather is categorized as a serious incident, and data from the flight data recorder (FDR) and cockpit voice recorder (CVR) will be reviewed.
Follow Aviation Today for Real-Time Aviation Alerts & Investigations.
