IAF ensured safe landing of hailstorm-hit Delhi-Srinagar IndiGo flight after Pakistan denied airspace due to NOTAM: Sources

DGCA said the aircraft rate of descent reached 8,500 fpm (feet per minute) and crew flew the aircraft manually till they exited the hailstorm.

The Indian Air Force (IAF) assisted the safe landing of the Delhi-Srinagar IndiGo flight at Srinagar after it was damaged in a hailstorm midair on Wednesday, May 21, after Pakistan denied an emergency request to use its airspace due to the Notice to Airmen (NOTAM) A0220/25 issued by Pak Civil Aviation Authority that was in force upto 23 May midnight (2359 hours). The NOTAM prevented any Indian-registered aircraft – both civilian and military – from entering Pakistani airspace, Indian Air Force (IAF) sources said on Saturday.

The IndiGo A321 neo aircraft flight 6E 2142 operating between Delhi and Srinagar had on Wednesday encountered hailstorm and severe turbulence near Pathankot, but was denied an emergency request by Pakistan to use its airspace.

The sources added that the Northern Area Control advised the Indigo crew within the frame of the NOTAM (which is also a regular planning feature for all airlines in their route planning) ensuring safety of aircraft and passengers.

The aircraft was immediately assisted in coordinating their route diversion by contacting Delhi area and passing requisite contact frequencies of Lahore control for overflight weather diversion request, sources added.

After Lahore Air Traffic Control (ATC) tower refused overflight clearance, and the aircraft proceeded towards Srinagar, the flight was subsequently professionally assisted till a safe-landing at Srinagar airfield by giving control vectors and groundspeed readouts.

Delhi-Srinagar IndiGo flight damaged in hailstorm: What exactly happened

The aviation watchdog Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) informed on Friday that the IndiGo flight crew flying from Delhi had sought permission to enter Pakistan airspace to avoid turbulence but the request was rejected. There was no injury to any passengers on-board and that the aircraft's "nose radome" was damaged.

DGCA said, "As per crew statement, they requested Northern control (IAF) for deviation towards left (International Border) due to weather on the route, however, it was not approved. Later, the crew contacted Lahore to enter into their airspace to avoid the weather but the same was refused too."

According to the regulator, the crew initially attempted to return back but as they were close to the thunderstorm cloud, they decided to penetrate the weather.

"Subsequently, they encountered hailstorm and severe turbulence. Crew chose to continue at the same heading to exit the weather by the shortest route towards Srinagar," the statement said.

While in a thunderstorm cloud, the regulator said warnings of Angle of Attack fault, Alternate Law protection lost, backup Speed scale unreliable were triggered.

"Due to updraft and downdraft encountered by the aircraft the Autopilot tripped and aircraft speed had wide variations. As a result, Maximum Operating Speed/Maximum operating Mach (VMO/MMO) warnings and repeated stall warnings were triggered," the statement said.

During this period, DGCA said the aircraft rate of descent reached 8,500 fpm (feet per minute) and crew flew the aircraft manually till they exited the hailstorm.

"After carrying out all checklist actions (ECAM actions), the crew declared 'PAN PAN' to Srinagar ATC and requested for RADAR vectors and made a safe landing with Auto Thrust operating normally," the statement said.

Generally, 'PAN PAN' refers to an emergency situation, and "Post flight walk around revealed damage to the Nose radome," the statement said.

"There was no injury to any of the passengers on board the flight. Post flight walk around revealed damage to the Nose radome. The matter is under investigation by the DGCA," it added.

Minister lauds crew's efforts, promises action if lapses found

Union Civil Aviation Minister Ram Mohan Naidu on Friday commended the pilots and crew of the Indigo flight for their professionalism and presence of mind in handling the emergency situation, ensuring the safety of all passengers on board.

"Regarding the emergency landing that has happened with the Delhi-Srinagar flight, we are looking into the incident. DGCA is investigating it. I would like to express my appreciation for the efforts of the pilots and the crew. We are very thankful that everyone is safe. But we are going to investigate it thoroughly. We are waiting for the investigation report from the DGCA once that comes, and if we see any wrongdoing, then we are going to take action," ANI quoted the minister as saying.

Naidu said the government has simply maintained the existing status. "The NOTAM has been extended. We have maintained the status quo..." he told reporters.

On Friday, India announced the extension of the ban on closure of its airspace for Pakistani aircraft till June 23. India has extended NOTAM for Pakistan flights for one month, which will be in effect till June 23, 2025.

The Ministry stated, "Indian airspace is not approved for ACFTs registered in Pakistan and ACFTs operated/owned or leased by Pakistani airlines/operators, including military flights."