An IndiGo pilot on a Delhi-Srinagar flight faced a significant challenge when the aircraft encountered a sudden hailstorm on Wednesday. The incident, involving flight 6E 2142, has raised concerns about aviation safety, especially as it involved over 220 passengers, including notable Trinamool Congress MPs. On 2025-05-23 00:30:00, the pilot sought permission from Lahore air traffic control to navigate through Pakistan’s airspace to avoid turbulence, but the request was denied.
- IndiGo flight faced sudden hailstorm
- Pilot requested Pakistan airspace permission
- Lahore ATC rejected deviation request
- DGCA investigating turbulence incident
- Flight carried over 220 passengers
- Aircraft landed safely in Srinagar
The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) is currently investigating the incident. The flight, which safely landed despite the severe turbulence, underscores the complexities pilots face when navigating unpredictable weather conditions.
This incident raises critical questions about the protocols in place during adverse weather. How should air traffic control respond to such requests? What measures can be taken to enhance pilot safety? Consider these points:
- Coordination between air traffic controls across countries is vital.
- Weather forecasting technology needs continual improvement.
- Emergency protocols must be clear and effective.
- Passenger safety should always be the top priority.
As air travel continues to grow, it’s essential for aviation authorities worldwide to collaborate and enhance safety measures. Will we see changes in policies to better protect passengers in the future?