Hailstorm damages IndiGo flight 6E2142 while landing in Srinagar
IndiGo flight 6E2142, an Airbus A321, was damaged by a severe hailstorm during its descent into Srinagar on May 21, 2025. The aircraft, carrying 227 passengers and crew, was grounded for inspection due to significant nose cone damage.
IndiGo flight 6E2142, an Airbus A321 (VT-IMD), departed Delhi’s Indira Gandhi International Airport at 17:00 local time for Srinagar. During descent, the aircraft encountered a severe hailstorm, resulting in violent turbulence and substantial damage to the nose cone, which contains radar and navigation systems.
The pilot declared an emergency to Srinagar Air Traffic Control and landed safely at approximately 18:30 local time. All 227 passengers and crew were evacuated without injuries.
The aircraft was declared “Aircraft on Ground” (AOG) in Srinagar for inspection and repairs due to visible damage to the nose cone, including a large hole.
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) reported that the hailstorm was part of a wider weather system driven by a cyclonic circulation over Haryana and an east-west trough extending from Punjab to Bangladesh.
The IMD had issued a red alert for Delhi-NCR, warning of heavy rainfall, hailstorms, and gusty winds up to 80 km/h (50 mph). The abrupt development of the storm limited the time available to reroute the aircraft.
The adverse weather led to widespread disruptions in Delhi, including flight delays, diversions, and interruptions to metro services.
The pre-monsoon season in India, from April to June, typically involves thunderstorms, hail, and strong winds, creating operational challenges for aviation.
Feature image credit: Capt Parag Patkar
Reet is a science journalist and researcher with a keen focus on extreme weather, space phenomena, and climate-related issues. With a strong foundation in astronomy and a history of environmental activism, she approaches every story with a sharp scientific lens and a deep sense of purpose. Driven by a lifelong love for writing, and a curiosity about the universe, Reet brings urgency and insight to some of the most important scientific developments of our time.
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