How IndiGo Flight Faces Sudden New Hailstorm Leading to Turbulence Heading to Srinagar Airport, Jammu & Kashmir, India?

Published on May 22, 2025

The IndiGo flight 6E2142, operating from Delhi to Srinagar, encountered a severe hailstorm turbulence on the evening of May 22, 2025, which resulted in damage to the aircraft’s nose cone. The flight, carrying 227 passengers, was approaching Srinagar when it faced intense hail that battered the fuselage and caused violent shaking within the cabin. The pilot immediately declared an emergency to Air Traffic Control as the weather worsened, but despite the turbulence, managed to land safely at Srinagar Airport at 6:30 pm.

Passengers aboard the flight were reported to be in a state of panic during the turbulence, which was captured in a viral video showing hailstones relentlessly striking the aircraft. The cabin was visibly shaken, and cries of fear echoed among those onboard. Following the safe landing, all passengers and crew were evacuated without injury, underscoring the effectiveness of emergency procedures implemented by IndiGo and airport officials.

The Airport Authority of India confirmed the details of the incident, stating that the emergency had been reported promptly by the pilot. They reassured the public that all 227 passengers and crew were unharmed. IndiGo issued an official statement acknowledging the sudden hailstorm and emphasized that both the flight and cabin crew followed established protocols, prioritizing passenger safety. The airline noted that the aircraft was declared “Aircraft on Ground” (AOG), meaning it would remain out of service until repairs and thorough inspections were completed.

Meteorologically, the hailstorm was linked to a cyclonic circulation over Haryana and adjacent regions, part of an east-west trough stretching from Punjab to Bangladesh at lower tropospheric levels, as reported by the India Meteorological Department (IMD). This weather system caused sudden and severe precipitation and hail over Delhi-NCR and surrounding areas. The abrupt weather conditions also disrupted operations at Indira Gandhi International Airport (IGI) in Delhi, resulting in multiple flight suspensions and diversions for both domestic and international routes.

This incident brings to light several significant challenges facing the aviation industry. Sudden severe weather events, such as the hailstorm faced by IndiGo flight 6E2142, highlight vulnerabilities in flight safety and operational continuity. Airlines must reinforce their preparedness through enhanced pilot training, more sophisticated weather monitoring, and aircraft capable of withstanding adverse conditions. The grounding of the damaged aircraft represents not only a safety precaution but also a logistical and financial challenge, as it reduces fleet availability and can cause schedule disruptions.

Airports, particularly those in weather-sensitive regions like Srinagar, need to be equipped with advanced emergency response capabilities and infrastructure to ensure passenger safety and minimize inconvenience during such events. Collaboration between meteorological services, airlines, air traffic control, and emergency responders is critical in managing these incidents effectively.

Travelers globally are likely to become increasingly aware of weather-related risks in air travel, influencing their travel plans, choice of airline, and demand for better safety assurances. Insurance markets may respond with policies tailored to cover weather-induced disruptions more comprehensively. The perception of air travel safety could be affected in regions prone to unpredictable weather, prompting travelers to seek routes and airlines perceived as safer.

The tourism sector in Srinagar and other northern Indian destinations could experience short-term effects as travelers reassess risks related to seasonal weather. However, transparent communication from airlines and airport authorities about safety measures and incident management can help rebuild traveler confidence.

In summary, the IndiGo flight 6E2142 incident is a potent reminder of the increasing impact of climate variability on aviation safety and operational reliability. It underscores the need for the global travel industry to adapt continuously to emerging risks, investing in technology, training, infrastructure, and collaborative frameworks to ensure safe and resilient air travel in a changing environment.

Key points:

• IndiGo flight 6E2142 encountered severe hailstorm turbulence en route to Srinagar on May 22, 2025.
• The aircraft’s nose cone was damaged, but the pilot safely landed the plane at 6:30 pm.
• All 227 passengers and crew were safely evacuated with no injuries.
• The aircraft was declared grounded (AOG) pending repairs.
• Sudden severe weather was caused by a cyclonic circulation and trough from Punjab to Bangladesh, impacting Delhi-NCR.
• The incident caused flight disruptions at Delhi’s IGI Airport.
• The event highlights challenges for airlines, airports, and travelers related to sudden weather changes and safety.