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IndiGo Delhi-Srinagar Flight News: An IndiGo flight from Delhi to Srinagar encountered a sudden hailstorm mid-air on Wednesday evening, triggering panic among passengers. Flight 6E 2142 landed safely at Srinagar airport after following standard emergency protocols, the airline confirmed in a statement.
"IndiGo flight 6E 2142 operating from Delhi to Srinagar encountered sudden hailstorm en route. The flight and cabin crew followed established protocol and the aircraft landed safely in Srinagar. The airport team attended to the customers after arrival of the aircraft, prioritising their wellbeing and comfort. The aircraft will be released post necessary inspection and maintenance," the airline said.
Storms disrupt Delhi air traffic
The incident took place as a sudden spell of rain and hailstorms lashed Delhi-NCR, derailing flight schedules at Indira Gandhi International Airport. Several domestic and international flights were either put on hold or diverted due to poor visibility and high wind speeds.
"Many domestic and international flights to Delhi airport from various airports have been put on halt or diverted due to weather conditions," airport sources said.
In a post on X, both Air India and Delhi Airport had issued advisories cautioning passengers about potential delays. "Rain and thunderstorms may disrupt flights to/from Delhi this evening," Air India posted.
"Due to inclement weather conditions and thunderstorms, flight operations may be impacted at Delhi airport. Our on-ground teams are diligently working with all the stakeholders to ensure a seamless and efficient passenger experience. Passengers are requested to contact the airline concerned for updated flight information," Delhi Airport said.
'Near death experience'
Among the passengers was Trinamool Congress (TMC) leader Sagarika Ghose, who called it a “near death experience.” She was part of a five-member TMC delegation, including Derek O'Brien, Nadimul Haque, Manas Bhunia, and Mamata Thakur, en route to Srinagar.
"It was a near death experience. I thought my life was over. People were screaming, praying and panicking," Ghose said.
"Hats off to the pilot who brought us through that. When we landed we saw the nose of the plane had blown up," she added, noting that the delegation personally thanked the pilot upon landing.
Videos circulating on social media captured the tense moments inside the cabin as the aircraft shook and passengers clutched seats, some praying aloud as the turbulence peaked. The plane was carrying nearly 200 people.
The sharp shift in Delhi’s weather came after several days of relentless heat, with temperatures breaching 40°C. According to the India Meteorological Department (IMD), a cloud mass swept into North Delhi and moved southeast, triggering strong gusts and light showers. Wind speeds reached up to 70 kmph, bringing some respite from the heat, but severely impacting air travel.
The TMC delegation is scheduled to stay in Jammu and Kashmir until May 23. They will visit Poonch, Rajouri and Srinagar to express solidarity with civilians affected by recent cross-border attacks and offer condolences to grieving families.
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