Did Lahore ATC Deny Help to IndiGo Flight Facing Hailstorm?
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Synopsis
An IndiGo flight encountered perilous weather en route to Srinagar, yet the Lahore ATC denied a crucial request for assistance. This incident raises serious questions about humanitarian protocols during aviation emergencies. How did the pilots navigate the storm, and what were the consequences of this denial?
Key Takeaways
- IndiGo flight faced severe hailstorm.
- Lahore ATC denied entry into Pakistani airspace.
- Emergency declared by the pilot.
- Safe landing achieved in Srinagar.
- Investigation launched into the incident.
New Delhi, May 22 (NationPress) The crew of the IndiGo aircraft, which encountered severe weather on its route to Srinagar, was refused permission by the Lahore ATC to temporarily enter Pakistani airspace to evade the hailstorm, which raises serious humanitarian concerns.
According to India’s civil aviation authority, the DGCA, the plane was flying at an altitude of around 36,000 feet near Pathankot in Punjab when it encountered a thunderstorm and hailstorm.
Faced with intense turbulence, the pilots first appealed to the Northern ATC of the Indian Air Force for permission to divert towards the International Border. However, their request was turned down due to concerns that the aircraft could face threats from the Pakistani side, considering the recent escalations during Operation Sindoor.
The pilot then sought clearance from Lahore ATC to briefly enter Pakistani airspace to avoid the storm, but this request was also declined.
With limited alternatives, the pilot initially contemplated returning to Delhi. However, as the aircraft was nearing the thunderstorm cloud, this option was deemed unsafe. Ultimately, the pilot chose to proceed through the storm towards Srinagar on the most direct path, as stated by the DGCA.
While navigating through the thunderstorm, the aircraft experienced extreme updrafts and downdrafts, causing the autopilot to disengage and speed to fluctuate.
“While in the thunderstorm cloud, warnings for an angle of attack fault, loss of alternate saw protection, and unreliable airspeed indications were activated,” the report detailed.
The DGCA reported that at one point, the aircraft's descent rate reached an alarming 8,500 feet per minute. The crew took manual control of the aircraft during this critical period until they exited the hailstorm.
The pilot declared an emergency to the Srinagar ATC, which subsequently activated radar vectors. The flight ultimately landed safely in Srinagar, with no injuries reported among passengers or crew.
The DGCA confirmed that the plane made a successful landing with the auto thrust system operated manually, and there were no injuries to any passengers on board. A post-flight inspection revealed damage to the aircraft's nose. A comprehensive investigation into the incident has been initiated.
Point of View
The actions of the Lahore ATC raise serious questions about the adherence to humanitarian norms in aviation. While national security is paramount, it is crucial to balance that with the safety of passengers in dire situations. This incident serves as a reminder of the need for collaborative frameworks that prioritize life during emergencies.
NationPress
19/07/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What led to the IndiGo flight's emergency situation?
The IndiGo flight encountered severe weather, including a hailstorm, prompting the crew to seek assistance from Lahore ATC.
Why did the Lahore ATC deny permission to enter Pakistani airspace?
The Lahore ATC denied the request due to concerns about safety amid ongoing tensions between India and Pakistan.
What was the outcome of the flight?
The flight managed to land safely in Srinagar with no reported injuries, although the aircraft sustained damage.
What is being done regarding the incident?
A full investigation has been launched to understand the circumstances surrounding the flight's emergency and the ATC's decisions.
How can such situations be prevented in the future?
Improving international protocols for emergency situations and ensuring timely assistance from ATCs can help prevent similar incidents.
