IndiGo Flight Incident 6E 2142:
Indigo Flight Incident Overview
- Flight: IndiGo 6E 2142
- Aircraft: Airbus A321
- Route: Delhi to Srinagar
- Date: Wednesday, May 21, 2025
- Passengers Onboard: 227
- Outcome: Emergency landing in Srinagar, no injuries
What Happened
- The flight encountered severe turbulence, hailstones, and visible lightning while nearing Srinagar.
- Passengers experienced extreme panic, with reports of screaming and items getting dislodged.
- The pilot declared an emergency and landed safely at 6:30 PM in Srinagar.
Extent of the Damage
- Post-landing inspection revealed significant damage to the nose cone (radome), caused by hail impact.
- Despite the lightning and turbulence, no structural breach occurred inside the cabin.
- The aircraft has been grounded for detailed inspection and repairs.
Pilot Response and Airspace Denial
- While over Amritsar, the pilot requested to deviate into Pakistani airspace to avoid the storm.
- Lahore ATC denied the request, reportedly due to ongoing India Pakistan airspace restrictions.
- Forced to proceed through the storm, the pilot:
- Faced autopilot disengagement
- Managed manual control under “Alternate Law” mode
- Responded to Angle of Attack faults and steep descents (up to 8,500 ft/min)
Emergency Landing and Passenger Safety
- The flight landed safely at Srinagar despite the storm and aircraft damage.
- No injuries reported among passengers or crew, though many were visibly shaken.
- Viral video footage from inside the cabin captured the intense turbulence and passenger panic.
Regulatory and Investigative Actions
- The DGCA has initiated an investigation into the incident.
- IndiGo has been asked to submit a detailed report, including weather forecasts, pilot decisions, and airspace denial documentation.
Key Takeaways
1. Weather Unpredictability
- Even with advanced systems, sudden and violent storms remain a significant aviation risk.
2. Pilot Competence
- The crew’s calm and skillful response was critical in averting disaster.
3. Airspace and Geopolitics
- Denying emergency airspace access due to political reasons raises serious safety concerns.
- Humanitarian exceptions in such scenarios are typically considered global best practice.
4. Aircraft Durability
- Despite the severe external damage, the A321’s safety design ensured passenger protection.
Conclusion
The safe landing of IndiGo Flight 6E 2142, despite extreme weather and denied airspace access, underscores the importance of pilot training, robust aircraft design, and the need for international cooperation in aviation emergencies. This incident will likely inform future protocols on weather forecasting, emergency handling, and cross border aviation safety coordination.