As screams echoed and luggage flew from overhead bins, this Indigo flight from New Delhi to Srinagar has become an international topic of discussion for various reasons.
It was supposed to be a normal flight as 277 passengers boarded the IndiGo flight 6E-2142, but the flight got into a major storm, shaking the flight and even damaging the plane. Videos of the terror during the emergency are going viral on the internet.
Thanks to the trained pilots and professional staff that managed to land the flight safely with no harm to all 277 passengers. But this incident has become an international topic of discussion not only because of its severity but also raised questions about Lahore Air Traffic Control for denying assistance that could have made things even safer.
Let’s break down what happened during the flight and the aftermath.
Normal Flight Gets into Unusual Storm
The Airbus A231 took off from New Delhi on May 21 carrying around 277 passengers, including families, tourists, business travelers, and many others, for a short trip to Srinagar.
Everything was going as smoothly as it should be at a cruising altitude of 30,000 feet. Suddenly the plane got into a big storm without any warning from the weather radar. The plane got surrounded with dark clouds, massive turbulence hit the plane, and in a matter of seconds chaos emerged in the plane.
As the trays fell on the floor, lights flickered and the cabin shook violently; everyone in the plane got terrified and prayed to land safely. This horror stayed until the plane was on the ground with every passenger being safe.
What exactly happened?
According to eyewitnesses, the overhead bins popped open and luggage started flying around as the plane entered the storm suddenly. People clung to their armrests, praying for their safety and hoping this nightmare passed soon. Videos from the incident going viral over the internet clearly show the terror passengers felt during the terrifying incident.
Apparently, the plane’s weather radar showed no warning about the storm until the plane was in the storm, shaking and trembling. This damaged the nose of the airplane and caused a big turbulence as the plane struggled to keep its balance. This was a nightmare not just for the passengers but for the pilots and the cabin crew also.
Lahore Denying Help: Airspace Controversy
It was revealed by the IndiGo pilots that during this catastrophic emergency, they requested permission from Lahore Air Traffic Control (ATC) to enter Pakistani airspace momentarily, which would have provided even safer conditions. However, this request was denied, and the pilots were asked to face the weather head-on in the Indian airspace.
This controversial decision has raised questions about the decision-making process by the Lahore ATC. The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has launched a probe into the decision-making process behind the airspace request and denial for clearance.
Appreciation for Pilots and Crew
The plane landed safely at 6:30PM and social media was immediately lit up with passengers updating about the incident, sharing their experience, and showing appreciation for the pilots and the cabin crew. Not only the passengers but people from all over the world showed appreciation for the crew, which they deserved well.
“I have never seen anything like this before,” and “the way the pilots handled it—calm, focused, and professional — they saved our lives” are some of the remarks people who experienced the incident gave to the flight’s crew.
Aftermath and Takeaway
However, the damaged IndiGo aircraft remains grounded in Srinagar for repairs and inspection. DGCA has started investigating, not only focusing on the aircraft and weather conditions but also on cross-border aviation protocols and real-time decision-making in crisis scenarios.
This flight is going to be remembered as one of the most horrifying experiences at 30,000 feet but also a tale of resilience and competence of the skilled crew that brought its passengers to safety despite no help from our peaceful neighbors.
