On May 21, 2025, passengers aboard IndiGo Flight 6E 2142 from Delhi to Srinagar experienced a harrowing ordeal when the aircraft encountered severe turbulence due to a sudden hailstorm mid-air. The situation was further exacerbated when the pilot's request to enter Pakistani airspace to avoid the storm was denied by Lahore Air Traffic Control (ATC), raising concerns over aviation safety and international cooperation during emergencies.

The Flight and the Unexpected Turbulence

Flight 6E 2142, an Airbus A321, departed Delhi at 5:13 PM with 227 passengers on board, including members of the Trinamool Congress (TMC) delegation. Approximately 45 minutes into the flight, the aircraft encountered a severe hailstorm, leading to intense turbulence. Passengers described the experience as a "near-death" situation, with overhead compartments opening and luggage scattering throughout the cabin .

The aircraft's nose cone sustained significant damage due to the hail and a possible bird strike, as evident from viral videos circulating on social media . Despite the chaos, the pilots managed to maintain control and safely landed the plane at Srinagar Airport at 6:30 PM. All passengers and crew were unharmed, and the aircraft was declared "aircraft on ground" (AOG) pending inspection and maintenance.

Denial of Airspace by Pakistan

During the emergency, the pilot sought permission from Lahore ATC to enter Pakistani airspace to circumvent the storm. However, the request was denied, forcing the aircraft to navigate through the severe weather conditions . This decision has been criticized by Indian media and officials, labeling it as a "shameful act" by Pakistan, especially given the humanitarian nature of the emergency.

In contrast, there have been instances where Pakistan allowed Indian flights to enter its airspace during emergencies. For example, in June 2023, an IndiGo flight from Amritsar to Ahmedabad entered Pakistani airspace due to bad weather, with the deviation well-coordinated between both countries' ATCs . Similarly, a Srinagar-Jammu IndiGo flight briefly entered Pakistani airspace in June 2023 due to inclement weather, with both countries informed beforehand .

Passenger Reactions and Crew Response

Passengers aboard Flight 6E 2142 recounted the terrifying experience, with many seen praying and screaming during the turbulence. Despite the panic, the flight crew maintained professionalism and calmness, guiding the aircraft to a safe landing. The airline emphasized that all safety procedures were followed, and the crew's response was widely praised.

Implications and the Need for International Cooperation

This incident underscores the importance of international cooperation in aviation, especially during emergencies. The denial of airspace by Pakistan raises questions about adherence to humanitarian principles and international aviation protocols. While political tensions exist, the safety of passengers should remain paramount, necessitating collaboration between neighboring countries during crises.

Conclusion

The ordeal faced by passengers on IndiGo Flight 6E 2142 highlights the unpredictable nature of air travel and the critical role of international cooperation in ensuring passenger safety. As aviation incidents like these occur, it becomes imperative for countries to set aside political differences and prioritize humanitarian considerations, fostering a safer environment for all air travelers.