‘We first declined IndiGo’s request to enter Pak airspace’: DGCA
New Delhi: The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) on Friday confirmed that the crew of an IndiGo flight en route from Delhi to Srinagar had first sought its permission to enter Pakistan’s airspace to steer clear of severe weather. However, the request was denied, forcing the aircraft to fly through a hailstorm and intense turbulence.
In a detailed statement, the aviation regulator said no passengers were injured in the incident, although the aircraft’s nose radome — the rounded nose section that houses weather radar — sustained damage.
The incident took place on Wednesday when IndiGo flight 6E 2142, operated by an Airbus A321neo, hit a hailstorm and turbulence near Pathankot.
“As per the crew statement, they requested Northern control (IAF) for deviation towards the left, near the International Border, due to adverse weather on the route. However, that was not approved. The crew then contacted Lahore ATC to enter Pakistani airspace, but that request was also refused,” the DGCA said.
The regulator noted that the crew initially considered turning back, but due to their proximity to a thunderstorm cell, they decided to proceed and penetrate the weather.
“They encountered a hailstorm and severe turbulence. The crew then chose to continue on the same heading to exit the weather by the shortest path toward Srinagar,” it said.
The DGCA has launched a probe into the incident.
A PTI report on Thursday had earlier cited sources confirming that the Lahore Air Traffic Control had turned down the pilot’s request to use Pakistani airspace.
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