IndiGo flight hit by lightning on Patna-Lucknow route; DGCA orders probe
Synopsis
An IndiGo aircraft was struck by lightning at 17,000 feet on the Patna-Lucknow route on 7 October, damaging its nose radome. All 110 people on board landed safely, but the incident — the second weather-related IndiGo grounding in as many months — has triggered a DGCA investigation and renewed questions about operational safety protocols during adverse weather.
Key Takeaways
IndiGo flight 6E 625 was struck by lightning at 17,000 feet while flying from Patna to Lucknow on 7 October 2026 .
All 104 passengers and 6 crew members disembarked safely at Chaudhary Charan Singh International Airport , Lucknow.
The aircraft's radome (nose) was damaged by lightning and a hailstorm during the landing phase.
The DGCA has launched a formal probe; the aircraft remains grounded pending inspection and regulatory clearance.
Last month, a separate IndiGo A321neo suffered a tail strike landing at Bengaluru's Kempegowda International Airport — the second such weather-related incident within weeks.
An IndiGo aircraft operating flight 6E 625 from Patna to Lucknow made an emergency landing on 7 October 2026 after being struck by lightning at 17,000 feet, damaging the plane's nose radome. All 104 passengers and six crew members on board were reported safe after the aircraft touched down at Chaudhary Charan Singh International Airport in Lucknow — arriving eight minutes ahead of its scheduled time.
What Happened Mid-Air
The aircraft encountered severe weather, including a hailstorm during the landing phase, which the airline attributed to the radome damage. According to an IndiGo spokesperson, the flight was in the final descent when it was hit, triggering the emergency protocol and prompting the crew to execute an accelerated approach to the Lucknow airport.
'The aircraft landed safely, and all customers disembarked at their destination, i.e. Chaudhary Charan Singh International Airport, Lucknow,' the spokesperson said. The relevant authorities were informed immediately, the airline added.
DGCA Steps In
The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), India's apex aviation safety regulator, has initiated a formal investigation into the incident. The aircraft has been grounded and will remain out of service until inspections and maintenance are completed to the regulator's satisfaction. It will be cleared for operations only after receiving the required regulatory sign-off.
A Pattern of Recent IndiGo Safety Incidents
Notably, this is not the first IndiGo incident to attract regulatory scrutiny in recent weeks. Last month, an IndiGo flight operating from Guwahati to Bengaluru suffered a tail strike while landing at Kempegowda International Airport amid gusty weather conditions. The airline described it as an 'abnormal runway contact' involving an A321neo aircraft, which was subsequently grounded for assessment.
Two weather-related damage events involving the same carrier within weeks raise questions about operational decision-making in adverse conditions — a dimension the DGCA probe is expected to examine.
What Happens Next
The grounded 6E 625 aircraft will undergo a comprehensive inspection before any return to service. The DGCA probe will assess adherence to weather-avoidance protocols, crew response, and aircraft airworthiness post-incident. Aviation safety experts note that radome damage from lightning or hail, while not uncommon, requires mandatory checks before the aircraft can be declared airworthy. Depending on findings, the regulator could issue a broader directive to operators on weather routing standards.
Point of View
Suggesting a broader operational pattern worth scrutinising. If the probe finds systemic gaps rather than isolated bad luck, the regulator may need to issue sector-wide weather-avoidance directives, particularly as the post-monsoon transition period brings unpredictable conditions across Indian airspace.
NationPress
8 Oct 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What happened to the IndiGo flight from Patna to Lucknow?
IndiGo flight 6E 625, operating from Patna to Lucknow on 7 October 2026, was struck by lightning at an altitude of 17,000 feet, damaging the aircraft's nose radome. The aircraft made an emergency landing at Chaudhary Charan Singh International Airport in Lucknow, with all 104 passengers and 6 crew members safe.
What is a radome and why does its damage matter?
A radome is the protective nose cone that houses the aircraft's weather radar. Damage to the radome can compromise the aircraft's ability to detect weather ahead and may affect the structural integrity of the nose section. Aviation regulations require a mandatory inspection before the aircraft can be returned to service.
What action has the DGCA taken after the incident?
The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has initiated a formal investigation into the incident. The aircraft has been grounded and will only be cleared for further operations after completing the required inspections, maintenance, and receiving regulatory approval.
Has IndiGo had other recent safety incidents?
Yes. Last month, a separate IndiGo A321neo aircraft suffered a tail strike while landing at Bengaluru's Kempegowda International Airport during gusty weather conditions. The airline described it as an 'abnormal runway contact', and that aircraft was also grounded for assessment. Both incidents involved adverse weather.
Were any passengers or crew injured in the Patna-Lucknow flight incident?
No. All 104 passengers and six crew members on board were reported safe. The aircraft landed at Lucknow eight minutes ahead of its scheduled arrival time, and all passengers disembarked normally.
