In order to avoid the dangerous weather, an IndiGo flight from Delhi to Srinagar that experienced severe hailstorm turbulence in midair on Wednesday requested permission from Pakistani air traffic control to briefly enter Pakistani airspace. According to reports quoted by PTI on Thursday, Lahore ATC, however, turned down the request.
While flying close to Amritsar, Flight 6E 2142, which was carrying more than 220 people, including a five-member delegation from the Trinamool Congress (TMC), experienced abrupt and severe turbulence. As a precautionary measure, the pilot asked for a detour across Pakistani airspace due to the unpredictable weather. This request was turned down.
The aircraft flew through a strong hailstorm but eventually made a safe landing at Srinagar airport after being forced to stick to its original course. Notably, the sudden hailstorm caused minor damage to the aircraft’s nose. The incident is being investigated by the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA).
The aircraft crew complied with all emergency procedures, according to IndiGo, which also confirmed the safe landing. Prior to being authorised for additional operations, the aircraft was immediately examined on the ground.
In the wake of Operation Sindoor, India’s military reaction to a terror attack in Pahalgam, tensions between India and Pakistan are still high, and this restriction of airspace access is part of that. Both nations still impose restrictions on one another’s airspace: India forbids Pakistani carriers, and Pakistan keeps its airspace restricted to Indian flights.