A Delhi-Srinagar flight overcame challenging weather conditions, highlighting aviation safety protocols and crew professionalism
Dramatic Landing at Srinagar After Unexpected Hailstorm
An IndiGo aircraft successfully completed an emergency landing at Srinagar Airport yesterday after encountering severe turbulence during its approach. Flight 6E2142, carrying 227 passengers and crew from Delhi to Srinagar, faced challenging weather conditions when an unexpected hailstorm struck the aircraft as it neared its destination.
The Airbus A320 aircraft sustained visible damage to its nose section, specifically the radome (radar dome), which houses critical navigation equipment. Despite the damage, the skilled flight crew managed to safely land the aircraft at approximately 6:30 pm local time.
IndiGo flight 6E-2142 traveling from Delhi to Srinagar encountered intense turbulence during its journey. #indigo pic.twitter.com/mZUsZA0FDT
— Weather Monitor (@WeatherMonitors) May 21, 2025
Passenger Experience During Weather Event
Travelers aboard the flight described moments of significant anxiety as the aircraft encountered the severe weather system. Videos circulating on social media platforms show the cabin experiencing strong movements during the turbulence event.
“The professionalism of the crew was evident throughout the challenging situation,” noted one aviation expert who reviewed footage from inside the cabin. “Their adherence to safety protocols during such difficult circumstances deserves recognition.”
Passengers reported feeling strong jolts and vibrations as the aircraft passed through the weather system. Cabin items shifted during the turbulence, but airline officials confirmed that all safety measures functioned as designed.
Weather System Impacts Regional Travel
Meteorological authorities attribute the severe conditions to a cyclonic circulation over Haryana combined with an east-west trough affecting the region. The weather system not only impacted this particular flight but also caused disruptions at other airports in northern India, including several flight diversions at Delhi’s Indira Gandhi International Airport.
The sudden hailstorm that affected Flight 6E2142 was part of a larger weather pattern that had been developing across northern India throughout the day.
Safety Protocols and Response
Following established emergency procedures, the flight crew declared an emergency with Srinagar Air Traffic Control, which prioritized the aircraft’s landing. Despite poor visibility and challenging wind conditions, the pilots executed a successful landing.
Upon touchdown, all passengers disembarked normally with no reported injuries—a testament to the effectiveness of aviation safety protocols and crew training.
An IndiGo spokesperson stated: “The safety and well-being of our passengers and crew is our highest priority. We confirm that all standard operating procedures were followed during this weather-related incident, and we have grounded the aircraft for comprehensive inspection and necessary maintenance.”
Aircraft Status and Next Steps
The airline has classified the aircraft as “Aircraft on Ground” (AOG), indicating it will undergo thorough inspection and necessary repairs before returning to service. Aviation safety experts note that the radome damage, while significant, is a repairable condition that requires careful assessment by maintenance technicians.
Industry analysts suggest such weather-related incidents highlight the importance of both meteorological forecasting and pilot training in managing unexpected conditions. The successful outcome of this event demonstrates how modern aviation safety systems and protocols work together to protect passengers and crew even in challenging circumstances.
For travelers concerned about upcoming flights to the region, airline representatives recommend checking flight status updates regularly as weather conditions continue to evolve across northern India.
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