Passengers Scream for Their Lives as Delhi-to-Srinagar Plane Struck by Turbulence, Hail, and Bird Strike

The plane sustained damage to its nose during the storm.

Passengers on a flight from New Delhi to Srinagar, India, experienced a harrowing ordeal after their aircraft was violently rocked by extreme turbulence, struck by hail, and reportedly hit by a bird mid-air. The incident occurred on Wednesday during what was meant to be a routine flight, but instead became a white-knuckle journey that left many travelers in shock.

The aircraft, carrying 227 passengers, encountered severe weather conditions shortly after takeoff. Video footage from inside the cabin shows terrified passengers screaming as the plane was jolted by turbulence, with flashes of lightning illuminating the visibly shaken interior. Despite the chaos, the pilot remained in control and communicated with Air Traffic Control in Srinagar, ultimately landing the aircraft safely after a flight duration of approximately one hour and fifteen minutes.

Passengers panic as the aircraft is beset by hail and turbulence

Upon landing, images revealed a gaping hole in the aircraft’s nose cone—damage attributed to a combination of hail impact and a possible bird strike. Reports also indicated that hail caused minor damage inside the aircraft. Fortunately, there were no injuries reported among the passengers or crew.

Witnesses aboard the flight described the fear and intensity of the moment. Passenger Owais Hakeem said, “I was on this flight, heading now home. It was terrible and I am still in shock.” Another passenger, Aaqib, expressed his relief: “I had a narrow escape while flying from Delhi to Srinagar. Hats off to the captain for the safe landing. Special mention to REMITA cabin crew for staying calm and professional.”

An IndiGo airlines passenger aircraft taxis on the tarmac at Chhatrapati Shivaji International airport in Mumbai

The aircraft has since been grounded for a full inspection by ground crews to assess the extent of the damage and ensure safety for future operations.

This terrifying episode echoes a similar incident from June of the previous year, when an Austrian Airlines flight was struck by an unexpected hailstorm mid-flight. That aircraft also sustained significant nose and cockpit damage but managed to land safely in Vienna.

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