Delhi-Srinagar Flight: Pakistan Rejected IndiGo Pilot's Request To Use Its Airspace To Avoid Turbulence
The flight, carrying more than 220 people, including Trinamool Congress MPs encountered a sudden hailstorm, and the pilot reported the "emergency" to air traffic control at Srinagar airport
The Lahore Air Traffic Control had denied pilots’ request to enter Pakistani airspace to avoid the intense weather conditions, following restrictions imposed during Operation Sindoor.
The DGCA said there was no injury to any passengers who were on the flight and that the “nose radome” of the A321 neo aircraft, operating Flight 6E 2142, was damaged.
The DGCA said the aircraft encountered hailstorm and severe turbulence near Pathankot. “As per crew statement, they requested Northern Area Control (IAF) for deviation towards left (International Border) due to weather on the route, however, it was not approved.
“Later, the crew contacted Lahore to enter into their airspace to avoid the weather but the same was refused too,” DGCA said.
Indian Air Force (IAF) sources said the Northern Area Control advised the IndiGo crew within the frame of the NOTAM (notice to airmen), ensuring safety of aircraft and passengers. Pakistan had issued the NOTAM) shutting the country's airspace for Indian aircraft.
The sources said the aircraft was assisted in co-ordinating their route diversion by contacting Delhi Area and passing requisite contact frequencies of Lahore control for overflight weather diversion request.
Once Lahore refused overflight clearance, and the aircraft proceeded towards Srinagar, the flight was subsequently professionally assisted till a safe-landing at Srinagar airfield by giving control vectors and groundspeed readouts, the sources said.
