The IndiGo pilot flying the Delhi-Srinagar route, who encountered a sudden hailstorm on Wednesday, had first sought permission from Lahore Air Traffic Control to briefly enter Pakistani airspace to avoid turbulence; however, the request was declined, news agency PTI reported quoting sources. Due to the rejection of permission, the aircraft maintained its original flight route and experienced severe turbulence.
Reportedly, the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) is investigating the incident where flight 6E 2142 encountered severe turbulence.
The Indigo plane With over 220 passengers onboard, faced a sudden hailstorm, prompting the pilot to declare an "emergency" to Srinagar airport’s air traffic control. The aircraft landed safely on Wednesday.
Both India and Pakistan have closed its airspace for each other in the wake of tensions between India and Pakistan following the Pahalgam terror attack that killed at least 26 people.
While the passengers present on the flight remained unharmed, the aircraft suffered external damage. The nose cone of the aircraft was hit hard by the hail during the storm.
"IndiGo flight 6E 2142 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 airport team attended to the customers after arrival of the aircraft, prioritizing their wellbeing and comfort. The aircraft will be released post necessary inspection and maintenance," Indigo said in a statement on Wednesday.
Among the 220 passengers onboard, a five-member delegation of Trinamool Congress comprising Rajya Sabha MP MP Derek O'Brien, Nadimul Haque, Sagarika Ghose, Manas Bhunia, and Mamata Thakur was on the flight.
