A flight carrying senior Trinamool Congress (TMC) leaders turned into a terrifying ordeal on Wednesday, May 21, when their Indigo aircraft experienced severe mid-air turbulence while approaching Srinagar. The pilot was forced to declare an emergency before managing a tense landing, averting what some on board described as a potential tragedy.
The incident occurred during a TMC delegation’s visit to Jammu and Kashmir as part of a political outreach initiative. Onboard the flight were Rajya Sabha MPs Sagarika Ghose, Derek O’Brien, Nadimul Haque, Manas Bhunia, and Lok Sabha MP Mamata Thakur. Speaking to the media after landing, Ghose said, “It was a near death experience. I thought my life was over. People were screaming, praying and panicking,” as quoted by The Indian Express.
The turbulence, caused by sudden extreme weather conditions, rattled the aircraft just as it neared Srinagar. The pilot swiftly declared an emergency with air traffic control. Despite the chaos inside the cabin, the aircraft landed safely with all 200 passengers unharmed. Ghose later praised the pilot for his composure and skill, noting visible damage to the nose of the aircraft upon arrival.
TMC Delegation Continues Outreach in Conflict Zones
Despite the trauma, the TMC delegation resumed its planned itinerary, which includes visits to Srinagar, Poonch, and Rajouri until May 23. The party stated that the objective of the visit is to show solidarity with civilians impacted by cross-border violence and to meet the families of those who have lost lives in recent militant attacks.
Footage from the flight, now viral on social media, shows visibly distressed passengers gripping seats and chanting prayers amid the shaking. The party has called for a detailed investigation into the incident and emphasised the need for enhanced safety protocols on flights in weather-sensitive regions.
