When passengers boarded the IndiGo flight from New Delhi to Srinagar, they had no idea the journey would turn into a life-threatening situation. Just moments after the captain instructed them to buckle up, the aircraft entered a severe hailstorm, causing chaos and fear amongst those on board.
Sheikh Samiullah, a frequent flier and CEO of a logistics company, recounted the terrifying moments as the plane suddenly dropped and jolted violently. “They were calling their gods, we were calling our gods,” he said, referring to the frantic prayers shouted in multiple languages. Passengers feared they were facing their last moments, vowing to save themselves through prayer as the plane plunged in turbulence.
The intense five-minute encounter featured violent movements and panic throughout the cabin, including the flight attendants who were visibly shaken. Mr. Samiullah captured the ordeal on video, showing the distress of his fellow passengers who were unprepared for such a harrowing experience.
Yet against all odds, the aircraft successfully landed in Srinagar about 20 minutes later, despite suffering noticeable damage to its nose from the hail. IndiGo confirmed the flight had encountered a “sudden hailstorm,” but its crew adhered to safety protocols, ensuring a safe return.
According to the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), hail and turbulence present significant risks during thunderstorms. Hail that forms can quickly grow to sizes capable of damaging an aircraft, making it crucial for pilots to largely depend on weather radar systems to avoid perilous conditions.
This incident underscores the dangers of air travel through turbulent weather. Last year, a different severe turbulence case resulted in fatalities and injuries, highlighting the urgent need for vigilance and awareness in preventing such terrifying encounters for passengers.
