IPL 
Okay, picture this: You're flying from Delhi to Srinagar on a regular IndiGo flight, probably scrolling through Instagram or trying to catch a nap. Then out of nowhere — bam — your plane hits a storm so intense it feels like the sky is falling apart.
The Calm Before the Storm (Literally)
It started off like any other flight. Everything seemed fine until the plane started hitting turbulence somewhere near Pathankot. But this wasn't your regular bumps-in-the-sky type turbulence. Nope. This was full-on chaos: hailstones hammering the aircraft, violent jerks, loud noises, and that sinking feeling in your gut — yeah, the one where you start thinking, "Wait... is this how it ends?"
The Crew Tries to Save the Day
The pilots immediately realized this storm wasn't something they could just fly through. It was massive, with thick clouds, heavy hail, and zero visibility. So, they did what any trained professionals would — they asked Air Traffic Control if they could divert. The safest option? A quick turn into Pakistani airspace, just a slight left from their current path.
But here’s the kicker: both Indian and Pakistani ATCs said no.
Why? Because of ongoing political tensions, Indian flights aren’t allowed in Pakistani skies. Even in an emergency.
The Drop Everyone Felt
With no help from either side, the pilots were forced to stay on course. And that’s when things went from bad to terrifying.
The aircraft dropped almost 8,500 feet in less than a minute — a stomach-churning fall that had people screaming, praying, and grabbing each other’s hands. Oxygen masks didn’t drop, but many felt like they should have.
Inside the cockpit, the pilots switched to manual control — autopilot wasn't cutting it anymore. The aircraft systems were throwing alerts, the radar was messed up because of hail damage, and the weather outside looked like something straight out of a disaster movie.
The PAN PAN Call
The crew issued a “PAN PAN” call — it’s not a full mayday, but it basically means, “We’re in trouble and need help ASAP.”
Srinagar ATC responded quickly and gave the pilots radar vectors to guide them safely. The aircraft eventually landed, but not before everyone onboard went through what probably felt like the longest 15 minutes of their lives.
The Aftermath
The plane’s nose cone — the radome — was messed up. That’s the part that holds the weather radar. It took a serious beating from the hail, which explains why they had no warning before flying straight into the storm.
Thankfully, no one was hurt. But emotionally? You can bet everyone onboard will think twice before flying through storm season again.
The Bigger Question: Politics Over People?
Look, emergencies like this aren’t common — but they happen. And in that moment, with 220+ lives hanging in the balance, maybe airspace rules shouldn’t be about politics. Maybe it should be about saving lives.
But here we are.
If you were on that flight, or if this gave you chills reading it — share this with someone. Because sometimes, real stories are crazier than movies. And this one? Definitely belongs in the “I survived the sky” category.
