Terror in the Skies: IndiGo Flight 6E2142 Battles Hailstorm, Passengers Recount ‘Near-Death’ Ordeal
New Delhi, May 21, 2025 – A routine IndiGo Flight from Delhi to Srinagar turned into a harrowing experience for 227 passengers aboard IndiGo Flight 6E2142 after the aircraft was caught in a violent hailstorm mid-air. What began as an ordinary journey quickly spiralled into a terrifying ordeal marked by screaming passengers, a damaged aircraft, and a dramatic emergency landing.
Caught in Chaos: What Happened Mid-Air?
Roughly 45 minutes after takeoff, the Airbus A320 found itself trapped in severe weather over northern India, where hailstones battered the aircraft’s fuselage, shaking the cabin with shocking intensity. The nose cone (radome) of the aircraft suffered visible damage, as captured in dramatic video footage that has since gone viral.
I had a narrow escape while flying from Delhi to Srinagar. Flight number #6E2142. Hats off to the captain for the safe landing.@IndiGo6E pic.twitter.com/tNEKwGOT4q
— Sheikh Samiullah (@_iamsamiullah) May 21, 2025
Passengers described the turbulence as “violent” and “soul-shaking”, with many claiming the plane dropped nearly 3,900 feet in what felt like a free fall. Flashes of lightning outside only heightened the fear, triggering panic as children screamed and adults broke down in prayer.
“It was a near-death moment. We all thought this was the end,” one passenger recounted, visibly shaken after landing.
Swift Decision: Pilot of IndiGo Flight Declares Emergency
Amid the chaos, the IndiGo Flight pilot acted with remarkable composure, immediately contacting Air Traffic Control (ATC) in Srinagar to report an emergency and request priority landing clearance. Despite damage to the aircraft’s nose, the pilot safely guided the flight to its destination, touching down at 6:30 PM.
No passengers were injured, though many remained emotionally rattled after the traumatic experience.
Airline Statement: Safety Protocols Followed
IndiGo Airlines promptly released a statement confirming that Flight 6E2142 encountered an unanticipated hailstorm, but reassured the public that the crew followed all standard safety procedures during the incident.
“The safety of our passengers and crew is our top priority,” the airline noted. Upon landing, IndiGo’s ground staff provided immediate assistance, medical checks, and support to affected passengers.
The IndiGo Flight has been grounded for thorough inspection and maintenance, especially to assess the extent of damage to the radome.
Storm Behind the Storm: What Caused the Turbulence?
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) attributed the sudden storm to a cyclonic circulation over Haryana, which triggered heavy rain, hail, and winds up to 79 km/h across Delhi-NCR.
The weather disruption severely impacted air traffic, causing delays at Delhi’s Indira Gandhi International Airport, affecting multiple domestic and international flights on the same day.
Social Media Erupts: Praise for the Pilot
Social media platforms were soon flooded with raw, emotional accounts from shaken passengers. Many praised the pilot’s skill and presence of mind:
“We had a narrow escape… Hats off to the captain for handling the crisis with such professionalism,” wrote one user on X.
Another passenger uploaded a chilling video of the cabin shaking, calling it “a flight I’ll never forget.” Their posts drew sympathy and admiration from netizens, many of whom lauded the airline’s crew and emergency response.
A Wake-Up Call on Aviation Safety
While turbulence is a routine part of air travel, incidents like these serve as stark reminders of aviation’s dependence on skilled professionals, reliable safety protocols, and the unpredictability of nature.
IndiGo Flight’s rapid response and the pilot’s decisive action likely averted a catastrophe, highlighting the critical role of training, technology, and communication in ensuring passenger safety.
As investigations and technical inspections continue, this terrifying flight has become a case study in resilience and the heroism of those who keep us safe in the skies.
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