Pakistan Denies IndiGo Flight 6E 2142 Airspace Access Amid Severe Turbulence and 8,500 Ft Drop: Full Incident Breakdown
On May 21, 2025, IndiGo Flight 6E 2142, en route from Delhi to Srinagar, encountered a harrowing mid-air crisis when it hit a severe hailstorm and turbulence near Amritsar, resulting in an 8,500 feet per minute (fpm) descent. The pilot’s urgent request to enter Pakistani airspace to avoid the storm was denied by Lahore Air Traffic Control (ATC), forcing the aircraft to navigate through dangerous conditions. Despite the ordeal, the Airbus A321neo landed safely in Srinagar, though the aircraft’s nose radome sustained significant damage. This copyright-free article provides a comprehensive, SEO-optimized account of the incident, its implications, and the ongoing investigation, tailored for readers seeking detailed insights.
IndiGo Flight 6E 2142’s Terrifying Ordeal Over Amritsar
IndiGo Flight 6E 2142, carrying over 220 passengers, including a group of Trinamool Congress MPs, departed Delhi at 5:00 PM IST on May 21, 2025, bound for Srinagar. While flying over Amritsar, the aircraft encountered a sudden hailstorm and severe turbulence, triggering a rapid descent of 8,500 fpm. The autopilot disengaged due to violent updrafts and downdrafts, leading to wide speed variations, maximum operating speed (VMO/MMO) warnings, and repeated stall alerts. The pilots manually navigated the storm, eventually landing safely at Srinagar International Airport at 6:46 PM IST.
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Pakistan’s Denial of Airspace Access
As the aircraft approached turbulent weather, the pilot first sought permission from the Indian Air Force’s Northern Control to deviate toward the India-Pakistan border. When this was denied, the crew contacted Lahore ATC, requesting temporary access to Pakistani airspace to bypass the storm. Pakistan, which had closed its airspace to Indian carriers following the April 24, 2025, Pahalgam terror attack, rejected the emergency request. This forced the pilots to maintain their original route, directly through the hailstorm, exacerbating the turbulence and endangering passengers.
The Impact of Severe Turbulence
The turbulence was so intense that social media videos captured passengers in distress, some praying and others gripping their seats as the plane shook violently. Overhead compartments rattled, and the aircraft’s nose radome, which houses weather radar equipment, was severely damaged by hail. The rapid 8,500 fpm descent, equivalent to dropping 141 feet per second, created a near-catastrophic situation. Despite these challenges, the pilots’ manual control and adherence to safety protocols ensured a safe landing with no injuries reported.
DGCA Investigation and Safety Concerns
The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) launched an investigation into the incident, focusing on the aircraft’s handling, the denial of airspace access, and safety protocol compliance. The DGCA noted that the crew declared a “PAN-PAN” emergency call to Srinagar ATC, indicating urgency but no immediate danger, and requested radar vectors for a safe landing. Aviation experts have raised concerns about Pakistan’s refusal to grant airspace access, arguing that international aviation norms prioritize passenger safety in emergencies, regardless of geopolitical tensions.
Geopolitical Context Behind the Denial
The incident occurred amid strained India-Pakistan relations following the Pahalgam terror attack, which killed 26 people and prompted India’s Operation Sindoor. Pakistan closed its airspace to Indian carriers on April 24, 2025, while India reciprocated by restricting Pakistani flights. This mutual ban, coupled with heightened tensions, likely influenced Lahore ATC’s decision to deny the emergency request. Critics argue that humanitarian considerations should have superseded political restrictions, especially given the life-threatening nature of the situation.
Passenger Experience and Aftermath
Passengers, including Trinamool Congress MPs like Derek O’Brien and Sagarika Ghose, described the ordeal as a “near-death experience.” Videos circulating online showed the cabin in chaos, with passengers visibly terrified. After landing, passengers noted the battered nose of the aircraft and thanked the pilots for their skill. IndiGo issued a statement emphasizing passenger and crew safety, confirming the aircraft navigated the storm and landed safely. The airline is cooperating with the DGCA’s probe.
Aviation Safety and International Norms
The incident has sparked debate about airspace access during emergencies. Senior pilots argue that denying such requests violates the spirit of international aviation protocols, which prioritize civilian safety. The International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) encourages cooperation in emergencies, and Pakistan’s refusal has drawn criticism for potentially endangering lives. The DGCA’s investigation may explore whether alternative routes or better weather forecasting could have prevented the crisis.
What Happens Next?
The DGCA’s probe will likely examine:
- The decision-making process of the IndiGo crew and Lahore ATC.
- The aircraft’s maintenance and damage assessment.
- Potential updates to emergency protocols for flights near sensitive borders.
IndiGo has been asked to submit a detailed report, and findings may influence future aviation policies. Meanwhile, the incident underscores the need for improved coordination between nations during aviation emergencies, especially in volatile regions.
How to Stay Informed
Stay updated on the investigation and related developments through credible sources like:
- India: Times Now, India Today, or The Indian Express (online or TV).
- Global: Follow aviation news on platforms like Flightradar24 or international outlets covering India-Pakistan relations.
