The incident took place when the aircraft flew through an unexpected hailstorm shortly before landing. The crew acted quickly, adhering to protocols as chaos reigned in the cabin. In a testament to their training, they ensured the safety of the passengers, leading to a successful landing after about 20 minutes of sheer terror. However, the aftermath left many shaken, with the plane visibly damaged, highlighting the serious dangers that hailstorms and turbulence pose to aviation safety.

This incident serves as a stark reminder of the unpredictable and often perilous nature of air travel, particularly during inclement weather conditions. According to the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), hail can significantly damage aircraft, posing risks well beyond simple inconvenience for travelers, and the best defense against such storms includes effective use of weather radar to navigate around hazardous skies. Rumblings of past tragedies due to turbulence underscore the critical need for continuous advancements in aviation safety measures.

The terrifying experience on the IndiGo flight is echoed by other incidents worldwide, illuminating the universal challenges of flight safety.

Monika Cvorak contributed reporting.
Jenny Gross is a reporter for The Times covering breaking news and other topics.