On May 21, 2025, IndiGo flight 6E 2142 from Delhi to Srinagar encountered severe weather during its climb. The Airbus A321 (registration VT-IMD) had taken off around 5:00 PM with over 220 people on board. About 45 minutes into the flight, it flew into a sudden hailstorm and violent turbulence. The pilot declared an emergency to Srinagar air traffic control as the aircraft shook, and the crew took safety measures. Officials report that the plane then landed normally at Srinagar Airport around 6:30 PM. All 227 passengers and crew were unharmed.

Aircraft damage and response

After landing, airport and airline teams inspected the aircraft. They found that the hail had punched a large hole in the nose section. Times of India noted the plane "suffered nose (radome) damage" during the storm, and post-landing images confirmed a gaping hole in the nose cone. The aircraft was immediately grounded ("aircraft on ground" status) for maintenance checks. IndiGo said its ground crew prioritized passenger care after landing and that the plane would be released for service only after full inspections and repairs.

In its statement, the airline confirmed the flight "encountered sudden hailstorm en route," but added that cabin and flight crew "followed established protocol and the aircraft landed safely in Srinagar".

Passenger accounts

Passengers described a frightening experience. Videos reported by the media captured people screaming and praying as the jet shook in the storm. One passenger later wrote that it felt like a "near-death experience" and noted that the plane's nose was visibly damaged. Another passenger thanked the crew on social media, saying he had "a narrow escape" and saluted the pilots for the "safe landing". Although the situation was tense, authorities reported no injuries. All passengers deplaned safely in Srinagar under airport staff supervision.