IndiGo Delhi-Srinagar Flight: Pakistan rejected pilot’s request to use its airspace to avoid unrest

New Delhi/ Mumbai, May 22: The operation of an Indigo pilot in the flight of Delhi-Srinagar, which suddenly faced hailstorm, initially sought permission for Lahore Air Traffic Control, which was summarized to use Pakistan airspace in to avoid disturbance, but the request was rejected, the sources said on Thursday.
Sources said that the flight 6E 2142 incident is being done by the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), facing serious unrest.
The flight carrying more than 220 people, including Trinumool Congress MPs, suddenly faced hailstorm, and the pilot reported “emergency” for air traffic control at Srinagar Airport. The flight landed safely on Wednesday.
When the aircraft was overfly to Amritsar, the pilot saw the turbulance and sought permission for the Lahore Air Traffic Control (ATC) to take deviation through Pakistan airspace on Wednesday. Sources said that it was requested to avoid unrest, but it was rejected by Lahore ATC.
As a result, the aircraft operates on the original flight path, where it faced severe disturbance, he said.
After the Pahgam terror attack, at least 26 people were killed in view of tension between India and Pakistan, the airspace of Pakistan was closed for the Indian carrier. India has also shut down its airspace for Pakistan Airlines.
In a statement on Wednesday, IndiGo said that its flight 6E 2142, operating from Delhi to Srinagar, suddenly faced the route of hailstorm.
“Flight and cabin crew followed the installed protocol, and the aircraft landed safely in Srinagar. The airport team participated for customers after the arrival of the aircraft, prioritizing their good and rest. The aircraft would be issued after necessary inspection and maintenance,” it said.
A five -member delegation of Trinamool Congress included Derek O’Brien, Nadimul Haq, Sagarika Ghosh, Manas Bhaunia and Mamta Thakur.
“It was a close experience. I felt that my life was over. People were shouting, praying and nervous,” Ghosh said on Wednesday.
He said, “The salute to the pilot that was brought to us through it. When we landed, we saw that the nose of the aircraft was blown,” he said that the delegation thanked the pilot after the landing.
Videos of turbulance moments appeared on social media, in which nervous passengers were shown as an aircraft praying for their lives. (Agencies)