A recent incident involving an IndiGo flight traveling from Delhi to Srinagar has raised significant concerns regarding air travel safety amid geopolitical tensions. The flight, designated 6E 2142, was carrying over 220 passengers, including a notable delegation from the Trinamool Congress party, when it encountered severe turbulence and a hailstorm on May 21.
As the aircraft neared Amritsar, the pilot sought permission from Lahore Air Traffic Control to divert through Pakistani airspace to avoid the escalating weather conditions. This urgent request was denied, attributed to heightened tensions between India and Pakistan following a recent terrorist attack in Pahalgam that resulted in the deaths of 26 individuals.
With no alternative route available, the IndiGo flight continued on its scheduled path and faced intense turbulence, leading to a harrowing experience for the passengers onboard. Fortunately, the aircraft managed to land safely at Srinagar International Airport. IndiGo has confirmed that all passengers were unharmed, and the plane is currently undergoing maintenance checks before it is returned to service.
Among the passengers were five members of the Trinamool Congress: Derek O’Brien, Nadimul Haque, Sagarika Ghose, Manas Bhunia, and Mamata Thakur. After the tumultuous flight, Sagarika Ghose described the experience as “near-death,” reminiscing about the panic that ensued among passengers who screamed and prayed during the ordeal. She expressed gratitude towards the pilot for skillfully navigating the situation, noting that the plane’s nose had been severely impacted.
In response to this distressing incident, the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has initiated an investigation to assess the circumstances surrounding the flight. As both India and Pakistan maintain strict restrictions on each other’s airspace amid ongoing diplomatic tensions, the situation raises broader questions about air travel safety and the implications of geopolitical conflicts.
