An IndiGo flight from Delhi to Srinagar turned into a terrifying ordeal for over 220 passengers when the aircraft encountered a violent storm mid-air on Wednesday night. While cruising near Pathankot at 36,000 feet, the plane was caught in an intense hailstorm and turbulence. In an attempt to bypass the dangerous weather, the pilots sought clearance from both Indian and Pakistani authorities to deviate from the planned route. However, the Indian Air Force’s Northern Control denied permission to veer left toward the international border, and Pakistan’s Lahore Air Traffic Control also rejected the request to enter their airspace. With no alternative, the crew continued toward Srinagar straight into the storm.
As the aircraft pushed through the severe weather, it faced brutal hail impact and violent turbulence. The situation worsened as several critical flight systems began issuing alerts, heightening fear among passengers. At one point, the aircraft went into a rapid descent at a rate of 8,500 feet per minute. The pilots manually controlled the plane during this phase and executed emergency procedures. After stabilizing, they issued a “PAN PAN” urgency call to the Srinagar Air Traffic Control and requested radar vectors for a safe approach to the airport.
Despite the chaos, the flight managed a safe landing in Srinagar with no reported injuries. A post-flight inspection revealed damage to the aircraft’s nose radome, likely from hail impact. The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has launched a detailed investigation into the incident, including why access to alternate air routes was denied. The event has sparked wider questions on airspace management, especially in weather emergencies and strained geopolitical zones.
