As Delhi-Srinagar Indigo flight has a narrow escape, aviation experts raise questions on early weather alerts, safety protocols

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Ziraat Times
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Ziraat Times Team Report

Srinagar: A routine flight  turned into a nightmare for 227 passengers on board IndiGo Flight 6E-2142 from Delhi to Srinagar on Tuesday evening when the aircraft was caught in a violent hailstorm mid-air, triggering panic and an emergency response.

The aircraft landed safely at 6:30 PM, and all passengers and crew were reported safe. However, the flight’s nose cone was significantly damaged, and the aircraft—an Airbus A320neo, registration VT-IMD—has been declared AOG (Aircraft on Ground).

Ziraat Times tried to reach out to Indigo Airlines for an official comment, however, the calls went without a response.

The incident has raised fresh concerns about aviation safety in the Srinagar sector, operational decision-making during extreme weather and the effectiveness of real-time meteorological alert systems used by airlines and air traffic control.

According to sources, the pilot of flight 6E-2142 declared an emergency to Srinagar Air Traffic Control after the aircraft encountered severe turbulence and a hailstorm enroute. Multiple videos recorded by passengers show chaotic scenes inside the cabin, with visible anxiety, prayers and reports of injuries due to cabin jostling, though no serious harm was reported.

“It was terrifying. The plane shook violently, and hail hit the windows. People were screaming, praying—we all feared the worst,” said a visibly shaken passenger upon landing.

Aviation experts say that while hailstorms can form rapidly, modern aviation weather tracking systems, when properly monitored, are generally capable of forecasting such disturbances. The incident is now prompting serious questions: Were pre-flight weather assessments thorough? Did the aircraft receive real-time alerts in time? Was there pressure to proceed with the flight despite marginal or worsening weather conditions?

“Airlines must prioritize safety over profit,” said a senior aviation analyst. “It is concerning when operational decisions appear to compromise passenger and pilot safety. Weather checks are not just regulatory—they are fundamental to aviation safety.”

The damaged aircraft has reportedly been grounded at Srinagar for inspection and repairs. However, an official confirmation is awaited.

This incident comes amid growing scrutiny of airline responses to increasingly unpredictable weather patterns due to climate change. As monsoon and summer storm systems become more erratic, aviation stakeholders are under pressure to adopt more robust forecasting tools and safety protocols.

Passengers and experts alike are now asking: are current real-time weather warning systems sufficient on the more vulnerable Srinagar sector — and are they being fully utilized?

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