HAILSTORM-HIT INDIGO FLIGHT DENIED ENTRY TO PAK AIRSPACE

The aircraft encountered autopilot failure, stall warnings, and rapid descent up to 8,500 feet per minute, according to a DGCA probe

- AGENCIES

The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) on Friday confirmed that an IndiGo flight from Delhi to Srinagar that was caught in a hailstorm on Wednesday was denied entry into Pakistani airspace which was sought by the pilot to avoid turbulence.

In a detailed statement about the incident, the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) said there was no injury to any passengers who were on the flight and that the aircraft's "nose radome" was damaged.

The incident of the aircraft encountering turbulence is being probed by the DGCA.

On Wednesday, IndiGo's A321 neo aircraft operating flight 6E 2142 encountered hailstorm and severe turbulence near Pathankot.

"As per crew statement, they requested Northern control (IAF) for deviation towards left (International Border) due to weather on the route, however, it was not approved.