India: Thrilling Ordeal as Plane Hit by Hail – Passengers Thought They Would Crash

Passengers aboard an IndiGo passenger aircraft flying from New Delhi to Srinagar experienced a harrowing ordeal when the plane encountered severe hail mid-flight. The flight, which usually lasts about an hour and a half, was hit with unexpected hail on Wednesday (21.05.2025), according to an announcement by IndiGo. Despite significant damage to the aircraft, the pilot managed a safe landing, leaving passengers shaken but uninjured. ‘The flight crew followed established protocols, and the aircraft landed safely in Srinagar,’ the statement said. Photos of the aircraft reveal a large hole in the nose. Although no details were provided about the extent of the damage, the A321N (VT-IMD) has been grounded for inspection before returning to service. A video captured by passenger Sheikh Samiullah and shared on X shows the panic onboard as the plane was battered by hail, causing violent turbulence that shook the interior. Sheikh recounted that the flight had been smooth until the pilot announced a seatbelt warning. ‘There were so many disturbances; I thought it was my last flight. Everyone thought we would crash. It was such a traumatic experience,’ he said, expressing gratitude toward the pilot. ‘After disembarking and seeing the damage to the plane, it was even more shocking,’ he added. ‘I hope no one has to go through such an experience.’