An IndiGo flight carrying 110 people landed safely in Lucknow, India, after being hit by suspected lightning at around 17,000ft during severe weather, which left the aircraft's nose damaged.
Flight encountered hailstorm before landing
The IndiGo flight, operating from Patna to Lucknow, encountered a hailstorm on Wednesday before touching down at Chaudhary Charan Singh International Airport, where damage to the aircraft's nose was discovered.
Flight 6E925 had descended to about 17,000ft when it is believed to have been jolted by lightning during the storm, although this has not been confirmed and will form part of an investigation.
Aircraft landed ahead of schedule
Despite the damage to the nose of the plane, it was able to land normally at Chaudhary Charan Singh International Airport eight minutes ahead of schedule. All 104 passengers and six crew walked away from the incident unhurt.
It is not unusual for passenger planes to be struck by lightning, with such events occurring on average once or twice a year, but it is far less common for them to sustain damage. Planes are designed and built with conducting paths that take the lightning strike and conduct the currents.
Radome damage and investigation
The damage was noticed to the cone or radome of the plane after landing, which appears to have been pushed inwards by the lightning strike. The aircraft has been grounded by safety officials and will remain out of service until repair work is completed.
The cause of the damage will be an important part of the investigation, as the nose radome is designed to protect the internal radar antenna while allowing radar signals to pass through, making it a critical part of the plane for safety.
In a statement, an IndiGo spokesperson said: “IndiGo flight 6E 625 operating from Patna to Lucknow on 07 October 2026 encountered unfavourable weather including hailstorm while landing, resulting in damage to the radome. The aircraft landed safely and all customer disembarked at their destination, i.e. Chaudhary Charan Singh International Airport, Lucknow.
“The relevant authorities were immediately informed. The aircraft will undergo necessary maintenance and will resume operations after securing relevant clearances. At IndiGo, the safety of our customers, crew and aircraft remain our highest priority.”
