Panic on Delhi-Srinagar Indigo Flight: 200 Safe After Emergency Landing

Passengers aboard an Indigo flight from Delhi to Srinagar experienced a terrifying ordeal on Wednesday due to severe weather conditions midair. The aircraft encountered intense turbulence after being caught in a sudden hailstorm, prompting the pilot to declare an emergency to Srinagar Air Traffic Control.

Among the passengers was a five-member delegation from the All India Trinamool Congress (TMC), including Derek O’Brien, Nadimul Haque, Sagarika Ghosh, Manas Bhunia, and Mamata Thakur. As the aircraft was en route to Srinagar, abrupt weather changes led to the turbulence that left passengers shaken.

Sagarika Ghosh described the experience as a brush with death. “It felt like death was right before us. I genuinely believed my life was over. Passengers screamed, prayed, and were in deep panic,” she said. “Hats off to the pilot who brought us out of such a harrowing situation safely. After landing, we saw that the nose of the aircraft had been damaged,” she added. She also mentioned that the TMC delegation personally expressed their gratitude to the pilot after landing.

The flight was carrying a total of 200 passengers, all of whom landed safely in Srinagar. Videos of the incident, which circulated widely on social media, showed the aircraft swaying violently as frightened passengers prayed aloud.

The TMC delegation plans to tour Jammu and Kashmir until May 23, visiting not only Srinagar but also Poonch and Rajouri. According to party sources, the purpose of the visit is to express solidarity with civilians affected by cross-border attacks and to console the families who have lost their loved ones.

IndiGo Airlines released a statement regarding the incident. “Flight 6E 2142, operating from Delhi to Srinagar, encountered a sudden hailstorm mid-route. The cockpit and cabin crew followed prescribed protocols and landed the aircraft safely in Srinagar,” the statement read. “Post landing, airport staff prioritized passenger welfare and comfort. The aircraft will be returned to service after completing all necessary checks and maintenance,” IndiGo added.