Another Low For Pakistan! DGCA Confirms Pakistan Denied Indigo to Use its Airspace to Avoid Severe Turbulence

In a shocking disregard for international aviation norms and humanitarian principles, Pakistan's Lahore Air Traffic Control (ATC) refused airspace access to an IndiGo flight 6E-2142 (Delhi to Srinagar) on May 21, 2025, despite the aircraft encountering severe hailstorm and turbulence near Pathankot.

Another Low for Pakistan! 

#BREAKING: India’s Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) says, Indigo crew contacted Lahore ATC to enter into their airspace to avoid hailstorm and severe turbulence near Pathankot in Punjab. But Lahore ATC refused permission. (Pakistan goes against all humanitarian norms) pic.twitter.com/Ihmx0msFlh

— Aditya Raj Kaul (@AdityaRajKaul) May 23, 2025

According to a detailed report from India’s Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), the IndiGo A321 Neo aircraft (VT-IMD) was cruising at FL360 when it hit extreme weather conditions. The crew initially requested deviation from Indian Air Force’s Northern Control towards the international border, but that too was not approved. In a desperate bid to ensure passenger safety, the crew contacted Lahore ATC for permission to briefly enter Pakistani airspace to bypass the dangerous storm. This request was outright denied, forcing the aircraft to fly through the hazardous weather.

DGCA Confirms Pakistan Denied Indigo Airspace Request Amid Severe Turbulence

As the flight navigated the thunderstorm cloud, it suffered multiple technical anomalies including Angle of Attack faults, unreliable backup speed scale, and autopilot trip due to violent updrafts and downdrafts. Warnings such as Alternate Law protection lost, VMO/MMO overspeed, and repeated stall alerts were triggered during the ordeal. At one point, the rate of descent hit a dangerous 8500 feet per minute, highlighting the life-threatening conditions faced by the passengers and crew.

Despite the extreme turbulence, the crew manually controlled the aircraft, performed all emergency checklist procedures (ECAM), and declared a PAN PAN to Srinagar ATC, ultimately making a safe landing with Auto Thrust restored. Fortunately, no injuries were reported, although a post-flight inspection revealed damage to the aircraft's nose radome.

The DGCA has launched an investigation into the incident, which is now sparking widespread condemnation of Pakistan’s inhumane refusal to assist in an airborne emergency. Aviation experts and diplomats alike have criticized the move as a blatant violation of international civil aviation cooperation, especially in a life-threatening situation.

This incident not only endangered lives but also raises serious questions about Pakistan’s willingness to uphold basic humanitarian standards in global aviation.