Despite an ongoing ceasefire between India and Pakistan, tensions continue to simmer beneath the surface, as highlighted by a recent aviation incident involving IndiGo flight 6E 2142 from Delhi to Srinagar. The flight, carrying over 220 passengers, including five Members of Parliament from the Trinamool Congress (TMC), was denied emergency access to Pakistani airspace during a severe weather event on Wednesday.
Flight Hit by Severe Turbulence Mid-Air
The flight encountered extreme air turbulence and hailstorm conditions near Amritsar. In a precautionary move, the pilot contacted Lahore Air Traffic Control (ATC) and requested permission to enter Pakistani airspace to avoid the storm system. However, the request was reportedly denied, even under emergency conditions.
According to PTI, Pakistan’s Lahore ATC refused to allow the deviation, forcing the aircraft to continue its flight through deteriorating weather. As a result, the aircraft sustained visible damage to its nose cone due to hail impact. The situation was managed effectively by the crew, and the flight landed safely at Srinagar Airport later that evening.
Aircraft Declared AOG After Landing
Following the safe landing, IndiGo declared the aircraft AOG (Aircraft on Ground), which means the plane is temporarily grounded due to technical inspection and necessary repairs. IndiGo confirmed that all standard safety and protocol procedures were followed by the pilots and cabin crew.
In an official statement, IndiGo said:
“Flight 6E 2142 from Delhi to Srinagar encountered unexpected hail and turbulence en route. The crew acted per established protocols and prioritized passenger safety. The aircraft landed safely in Srinagar and is currently undergoing inspection and maintenance.”
DGCA to Investigate Incident
India’s Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has launched an investigation into the matter, especially considering the technical damage caused by the weather and the denial of emergency airspace usage by Pakistan.
Broader Diplomatic Context
While ceasefire agreements are officially in place, such actions—especially during emergencies—highlight the lingering mistrust between the two nations. Denying an aircraft experiencing turbulence access to safer routes raises serious questions about adherence to international humanitarian and aviation norms, which typically prioritize human life over political considerations.
