IndiGo Flight with 227 Passengers Faces Severe Turbulence, Lands Safely in Srinagar

Imagine cruising thousands of feet above the ground, buckled into your seat, sipping coffee, or maybe watching a movie—when suddenly, the aircraft jolts violently. Panic sets in, prayers begin, and you clutch your seat tighter as the plane sways midair. That’s exactly what happened on Wednesday, May 15, 2025, when IndiGo flight 6E2142, en route from Delhi to Srinagar, hit unexpected and severe turbulence, leading to a terrifying ordeal for over 220 passengers on board.

A Routine Flight Turned Turbulent

The day started like any other at the Indira Gandhi International Airport in Delhi. IndiGo flight 6E2142, packed with 227 passengers, including families, professionals, and travelers heading home or visiting the scenic valleys of Srinagar, took off without a hitch. It was a typical afternoon flight—smooth skies, cheerful chatter, and the comforting hum of jet engines.

However, midway through the journey, everything changed.

Nature’s Sudden Wrath

As the aircraft approached Srinagar airspace, the weather turned ominous. Thunderclouds gathered quickly, visibility dropped, and before anyone could react, the Airbus was engulfed in a sudden and intense hailstorm. The turbulence was not your usual air bumps—it was violent and relentless.

Passengers were jolted in their seats, overhead compartments rattled, and some passengers began to panic. Videos shared by passengers later surfaced on social media, capturing moments of chaos inside the cabin. The sounds of gasps, prayers, and anxious voices painted a vivid picture of fear and uncertainty.

Emergency Declared Midair

Realizing the seriousness of the situation, the pilot sprang into action. Following standard aviation protocols, he immediately contacted Srinagar's Air Traffic Control (ATC) and declared an emergency. The message was clear: the aircraft had encountered severe weather conditions and needed immediate landing clearance.

Despite the stress and pressure, the crew remained composed and focused, ensuring passengers stayed calm. Flight attendants moved through the aisles, reassuring travelers, securing cabin equipment, and following emergency SOPs with unwavering professionalism.

Safe Landing and Shocking Discovery

At approximately 6:30 PM, after navigating through the harsh weather, the aircraft safely landed at Srinagar Airport. Relief swept through the cabin as passengers disembarked, many visibly shaken but grateful to be on solid ground.

However, upon closer inspection of the aircraft post-landing, a startling discovery was made—the nose of the plane had sustained visible damage, reportedly due to hail impact. According to one passenger, Owais Maqbool Hakeem, who took to X (formerly Twitter), the nose cone was “severely damaged,” and he described the incident as a "near-death experience."

Hakeem claimed that not only the nose but the right side of the plane also bore signs of damage. He added that passengers were restricted from approaching the aircraft closely, as air force personnel were already present at the scene.

IndiGo Responds Promptly

Hours after the incident, IndiGo released an official statement confirming that flight 6E2142 had encountered a sudden hailstorm en route to Srinagar. “The flight and cabin crew followed established protocol, and the aircraft landed safely,” the airline stated.

The airline further assured that all passengers and crew were safe, and that their comfort and wellbeing were prioritized upon arrival. The aircraft, now officially declared AOG (Aircraft on Ground), will undergo necessary inspection and maintenance before it can return to service.

What Does ‘Aircraft on Ground’ Mean?

In aviation, the term “Aircraft on Ground” (AOG) refers to a situation where an aircraft is not airworthy due to a technical issue and must remain grounded until necessary repairs are made. In this case, the damage caused by the hailstorm requires thorough inspection to ensure the aircraft's safety and structural integrity before it takes to the skies again.

Lessons in Safety and Professionalism

This incident serves as a powerful reminder of how unpredictable nature can be, even at 30,000 feet in the air. But more importantly, it highlights the critical role of trained flight crews and the robust safety protocols that airlines like IndiGo follow to ensure every passenger reaches their destination safely—even when things go unexpectedly wrong.

From the pilot's swift decision-making to the crew's calm demeanor under pressure, this flight stands as a testament to the rigorous training and professionalism of aviation teams.

Final Thoughts

For the 227 people aboard flight 6E2142, May 15 will be a day etched in memory forever. While the skies may have turned hostile, teamwork, training, and technology ensured that what could have been a tragedy ended safely—with lessons learned and lives protected.

As aviation authorities and engineers now examine the damaged aircraft, passengers and families can breathe a sigh of relief, knowing that everyone made it home safely—a powerful reminder that every safe landing is truly a miracle in motion.