Introduction
On May 21, 2025, IndiGo Flight 6E-2142 was flying at 30,000 feet, bound from Delhi to Srinagar, when it got caught in trouble. The Airbus A321neo, which was carrying 227 passengers and crew members, encountered severe turbulence and hailstorm near Pathankot. Following the Nominal Track, the flight crew requested permission to deviate through Pakistani airspace due to passenger safety; however, their request was not granted by Lahore ATC. The incident highlights the challenges of aviation work in a period of geopolitical conflict and bad weather.
Details of the Flight and Initial Conditions
Flight 6E-2142 took off from the Indira Gandhi International Airport, Delhi at around 5:15 pm IST for Srinagar. After about 45 minutes of cruising at FL360, the aircraft encountered sudden severe turbulence and hailstorm over Pathankot. Passengers described fierce shaking, with overhead compartments opening and luggage tossed around the cabin. (The Indian Express, news) [1]: news
Pilot’s Reaction and Emergency Measures
The flight crew declared an emergency when weather conditions began to deteriorate. They next spoke to Indian Air Force’s (IAF) Northern Area Control and sought clearance to turn towards India-Pakistan international border as the stormy weather was not getting any better. This request was denied. The pilots then contacted Lahore ATC and requested that they be allowed short ingress into Pakistani airspace to get around the bad weather. The Lahore ATC also refused the same on ground of ongoing closure of Paksitan airspace for Indian planes. (The Indian Express, The Times of India)
Making It Through The Storm
After two denied diversion authorizations and a worsening storm, the pilots decided to punch to the other side of the weather front. The plane dropped from the sky at a rate of 8,500 feet per minute. Passengers described terrifying moments of screaming and prayer and violent shaking of the plane. Despite the mayhem, the pilots were able to regain control of the plane and flew it on to Srinagar. (The Times of India, www. ndtv. com, news)
Emergency Landing and Resulting DaysMetodologías | Ingredientes **1. Preparar la lima encurtida: Lava los limones y corta cada uno en 8 pedazos finitos a lo largo.
The flight touched down safely at Srinagar Airport at approximately 1830 IST. Post-flight inspection showed considerable damage to the nose of the aircraft, indicating hail and likely a birdstrike. The GCAA launched an investigation on the accident to determine the details and ascertain compliance with safety regulations.
Geopolitical Stuff
The episode underscores the risks of aviation safety in the face of geopolitical tensions. The denial of airspace access by Pakistan, not even in an emergency, is an indication of the bitter relationship that exists between Pakistan and India. The response was as per a Notice to Airmen (NOTAM) issued by Pakistan’s Civil Aviation Authority to airmen warning them to not use any of its airports or air space. The imposition of the measure after recent escalations makes flying in the region cumbersome and impairs emergency responses.
Conclusion
The trauma of IndiGo Flight 6E-2142 is a harsh lesson about the vicissitudes of aviation and the global cooperation that is essential to keep passengers safe. Even as the professionalism of the pilots, and the support from Indian authorities led to a safe landing, the emergency only underscores the importance of having well-laid-out protocols and communication in place during such times, irrespective of what is happening on the larger geopolitical sphere.
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