An IndiGo flight from Delhi to Srinagar faced a harrowing experience on May 21, when it encountered severe turbulence and hailstorm near Pathankot. The flight, 6E-2142, was cruising at 36,000 feet when it hit the storm, prompting the crew to declare a 'PAN PAN' emergency.
According to the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), the pilots initially sought to divert to Pakistani airspace to avoid the storm, but both the Indian Air Force and Lahore Air Traffic Control denied the request.
As a result, the aircraft descended rapidly, reaching a rate of 8,500 feet per minute, battling intense turbulence that forced the autopilot offline.
The crew managed to land safely in Srinagar, with the auto thrust operating normally.
Trinamool Congress leader Sagarika Ghose, who was on board, described the experience as a 'near death experience.' Fortunately, no injuries were reported among the 220 passengers, although the aircraft sustained significant damage to its nose due to hail impact.
Following the incident, a post-flight inspection confirmed the damage, highlighting the risks associated with severe weather conditions.
Climate change is increasingly affecting aviation safety, with studies indicating a rise in turbulence incidents globally.
The DGCA's report emphasizes the need for improved weather management and communication between air traffic control and flight crews to enhance passenger safety during extreme weather events.
Sources: 
An IndiGo flight from Delhi to Srinagar declared a 'PAN PAN' emergency after encountering severe turbulence and hailstorm near Pathankot, forcing the crew to land safely in Srinagar. The aircraft, carrying over 220 passengers, suffered significant damage but no injuries were reported, according to the DGCA.
