Passengers aboard an IndiGo flight experienced sheer terror as their aircraft plummeted during a severe hailstorm, believing death was imminent before landing safely.
Terrifying Hailstorm Encounter: Passengers Face Life-or-Death Moment on IndiGo Flight
Terrifying Hailstorm Encounter: Passengers Face Life-or-Death Moment on IndiGo Flight
An IndiGo flight from New Delhi to Srinagar faced a severe hailstorm that left passengers in panic, fearing for their lives.
On May 22, 2025, a routine flight from New Delhi to Srinagar took a nightmarish turn for its passengers when severe weather struck mid-air. Sheikh Samiullah, a 33-year-old logistics CEO and regular flier, shared the harrowing moments passengers faced as they were informed to fasten their seatbelts. Moments later, the IndiGo flight was struck by a sudden and violent hailstorm.
In a gripping recount, Mr. Samiullah detailed how the aircraft jolted dangerously, sending the passengers into a frenzy of screams and prayers. “They were calling their gods, we were calling our gods,” he recalled, expressing the panic that rippled through the cabin. Passengers were visibly distraught, with flight attendants joining in the outcry, as the plane swerved and dropped frighteningly over a span of five to six minutes.
Video footage shared on social media illustrated the chaos on board, with terrified passengers praying for a safe outcome. Remarkably, 20 minutes later, the aircraft landed intact in Srinagar, although passengers were greeted by the appalling sight of the plane’s nose bearing substantial hail damage.
IndiGo later issued a statement about the incident, confirming that their crew adhered to established protocols, managing to land the aircraft without incident despite the hailstorm. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) notes that hail and turbulence constitute serious threats to flights during thunderstorms, stating that any hailstones larger than half an inch can cause significant damage.
Aircraft manufacturers like Airbus have highlighted that passenger planes are not designed to withstand collision with large hailstones, warning of potential consequences such as reduced visibility or engine failure.
In a related aviation incident last year, turbulence resulted in tragedy when a Singapore Airlines plane unexpectedly surged, causing one fatality and multiple injuries. The distinction between a safe flight and a catastrophic one remains perilously thin, particularly amid unpredictable weather phenomena.
Monika Cvorak contributed to this report. Jenny Gross is a journalist at The Times focusing on breaking news.
