IndiGo Flight Faces Turbulence After Pakistan Denies Airspace Access

New Delhi: An IndiGo flight from Delhi to Srinagar, carrying 227 passengers and crew, encountered a severe hailstorm on Wednesday evening, leading to a harrowing mid-air experience. The pilot of flight 6E 2142 declared an emergency and sought permission from Lahore Air Traffic Control (ATC) to briefly enter Pakistani airspace to avoid the turbulent weather. However, Lahore ATC denied the request, forcing the aircraft to continue on its original route through the storm.

The flight, which faced intense turbulence while flying over Amritsar, sustained damage to its nose but landed safely at Srinagar International Airport. All passengers and crew emerged unharmed, though the ordeal left many shaken. Videos circulating on social media captured passengers’ distress, with some praying and others gripping their seats as the plane shook violently and overhead compartments rattled.

The incident occurred amid heightened tensions between India and Pakistan, following a terror attack in Pahalgam that prompted both nations to impose reciprocal airspace restrictions on each other’s airlines. The refusal by Lahore ATC to grant emergency access has sparked debate, with critics highlighting the potential risks to civilian safety posed by such geopolitical restrictions.

IndiGo issued a statement confirming that flight 6E 2142 navigated the sudden hailstorm and landed safely in Srinagar. The airline emphasized that its crew followed established protocols, and the airport team prioritized passenger well-being upon arrival. The aircraft, an Airbus A321, is now undergoing inspection and maintenance to assess the damage caused by the storm.

The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has launched a probe into the incident, requesting a detailed report from IndiGo. Aviation experts have noted that, under International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) rules, emergency requests for airspace access are typically honored to ensure passenger safety, raising questions about the decision to deny the pilot’s request.