IndiGo Flight’s Harrowing Turbulence Ordeal Leaves TMC Delegation Shaken
NEW DELHI: A Trinamool Congress (TMC) delegation, including Rajya Sabha MP Sagarika Ghose, endured a terrifying ordeal aboard an IndiGo flight from Delhi to Srinagar on Wednesday, describing the experience as akin to a “near-death” encounter due to severe mid-air turbulence. The group, comprising MPs Derek O’Brien, Nadimul Haque, Manas Bhunia, and Mamata Thakur, was traveling to Jammu and Kashmir for a political outreach program when their aircraft was caught in extreme weather conditions.
The IndiGo flight, identified as 6E 2142, encountered a sudden hailstorm, prompting the pilot to declare an emergency to Srinagar air traffic control. Despite the intense turbulence, the plane landed safely at Srinagar airport at 6:30 pm, as reported by the Airport Authority of India. The aircraft sustained visible damage to its nose cone, leading to its grounding for inspection and maintenance, according to IndiGo’s official statement.
Ghose recounted the traumatic experience, noting that passengers were gripped by panic, with some screaming and praying as the plane shook violently. “It felt like my life was over,” she said, praising the pilot’s skill in navigating the storm to ensure a safe landing. A passenger, described an announcement made 20-30 minutes before landing, urging everyone to fasten seat belts due to expected turbulence. Within minutes, the shaking intensified, leaving many fearing the worst.
Videos circulating on social media captured the chaos, showing passengers in distress as hailstones battered the aircraft. IndiGo confirmed that the flight and cabin crew adhered to established protocols, ensuring the safety of all 227 passengers and crew members. The airline stated that its airport team prioritized passenger well-being and comfort upon arrival, with the aircraft set to resume operations only after thorough checks.
The TMC delegation’s visit to Jammu and Kashmir, which includes planned stops in Poonch and Rajouri until May 23, aims to express solidarity with victims of cross-border attacks, according to the party. Despite the harrowing flight, all members of the delegation were reported safe.