An IndiGo aircraft en route from Delhi to Srinagar encountered a severe hailstorm while carrying more than 220 passengers. Dramatic footage circulated on social media shows the plane experiencing intense turbulence, with passengers seen praying and screaming in panic.
Nightmarish Moments During the Storm: Pilot Declares Emergency
The incident occurred on Wednesday during IndiGo flight 6E-6152 from Delhi to Srinagar. As the aircraft began its descent, it was suddenly caught in a hailstorm. The pilot declared an “emergency” to air traffic control at Srinagar Airport.
Officials later confirmed that the pilot managed to maintain control and safely landed the aircraft. However, the passengers’ terror clearly illustrated the gravity of the event.
“I Came Close to Death” – Shocking Statement from TMC Delegation
TMC MP Sagarika Ghose, who was on board the flight, described the terrifying ordeal on social media:
“It was a life-and-death moment. I thought my life was over. People were praying and screaming. We feared the pilot would lose control. We are alive thanks to the pilot. When we landed, I saw that the aircraft’s nose was almost blown away.”
Ghose added that other TMC members on the flight included Derek O’Brien, Nadimul Haque, Mamata Thakur, and Manas Bhuyan.
Passengers: “We Thought It Was Our Last Flight”
Another passenger, Owais Maqbool Hakeem, shared his experience on X (formerly Twitter), writing:
“I was on the flight, returning home from Srinagar… It was truly a near-death experience. The nose and right side of the plane were badly damaged. The Air Force was present, so we couldn’t get many visuals.”
Another traveller noted that about 20–30 minutes before landing, passengers were told to fasten their seatbelts. Moments later, severe turbulence began:
“I travel frequently, but I’ve never experienced turbulence like this. It felt like the plane was suddenly dropping. Everyone was crying and praying. We survived thanks to the pilot’s exceptional handling.”
Aircraft Nose and Fuselage Damaged
Post-landing footage shows significant damage to the aircraft’s nose, with parts of the outer fuselage visibly shattered. Following the incident, technical crews and security personnel were dispatched to the aircraft. IndiGo Airlines has yet to release an official statement.
What Is Turbulence and How Dangerous Is It?
Turbulence occurs when sudden shifts in air currents disrupt an aircraft’s stability. While usually anticipated by pilots and air traffic controllers, sudden storm or hail cells can catch even advanced weather radar systems off guard.
Experts note that turbulence rarely causes crashes, but stress that wearing seatbelts is critically important for safety.
Hero Pilot Widely Praised
TMC MPs and numerous other passengers praised the pilot’s experience and composure, crediting him with saving their lives. Social media was flooded with messages of gratitude. The incident is now considered one of the most terrifying moments in IndiGo Airlines’ history.
