Pakistan refused to bail out IndiGo flight hit by sudden hailstorm

NEW DELHI: The pilot of IndiGo's Delhi-Srinagar flight on Wednesday requested permission from Lahore ATC to briefly enter Pakistan airspace to escape turbulence after being caught in a sudden hailstorm. Sources said Lahore ATC denied the request, prompting the Airbus A321 pilot to declare an emergency with Srinagar ATC.

The flight, carrying over 220 passengers, including Trinamool MPs, landed safely in Srinagar, but not without damage - the aircraft's radome, or nose cone, was left badly battered by the storm.

A senior official from Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) said, "We've asked IndiGo for a detailed report and a probe is underway. The aircraft (VT-IMD) remains grounded in Srinagar. The pilots are being praised for their presence of mind and professionalism in ensuring everyone's safety."

IndiGo, in an official statement, said: "Flight 6E 2142 from Delhi to Srinagar on May 21 encountered a sudden hailstorm and landed safely at Srinagar International Airport. All passengers were well attended to upon landing and no injuries were reported. The aircraft is undergoing inspection and maintenance, and will resume service once it receives the necessary clearances."

Although Pak airspace is shut for Indian carriers, aviation experts argue that emergency requests like the one made by the IndiGo pilot should not be refused in the interest of passenger safety.