New Delhi, May 23 – India’s aviation regulator on Friday said an IndiGo flight caught in a severe hailstorm earlier this week was denied permission to divert into Pakistan’s airspace by both the Indian Air Force and Lahore’s Air Traffic Control, prompting concerns over air safety during emergencies.
The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) said IndiGo flight 6E 2142, en route from Delhi to Srinagar on May 21, encountered a hailstorm and strong turbulence near Pathankot. The flight crew had requested a deviation toward Pakistan to avoid the adverse weather but were reportedly turned down by both Indian and Pakistani authorities. The aircraft’s nose cone sustained damage, but no injuries were reported among the 222 passengers on board, which included five members of parliament from the Trinamool Congress.
The DGCA said in a statement that the pilots “attempted to return, but as they were close to the thunderstorm cloud, they decided to penetrate the weather,” ultimately facing turbulence and hail. The crew opted to continue on the same heading toward Srinagar to exit the weather by the shortest route.
However, Defence sources disputed part of the DGCA’s account, asserting that the Indian Air Force’s Northern Area Control Centre (NACC), which manages traffic near Udhampur, does not have the authority to grant access to international airspace. “The authority to clear aircraft into international airspace lies with Delhi Air Traffic Control,” one official said.
The sources clarified that the IAF did not deny clearance but facilitated the flight’s request by connecting it to Lahore ATC, which subsequently denied entry. They added that the NACC supported the aircraft during the turbulence by providing radar-based ground speed data, as the plane’s onboard instruments had become unreliable.
The incident comes amid an ongoing airspace restriction imposed by Pakistan on Indian aircraft, which remains in effect under a Notice to Airmen (NOTAM). A deviation through Pakistan would have required exceptional diplomatic and aviation coordination.
The episode has raised questions over the handling of mid-air emergencies and coordination between civil and military aviation authorities during critical situations. IndiGo has grounded the aircraft for inspection and maintenance. The airline has not issued a public statement regarding the incident.
