An IndiGo passenger jet carrying 110 people landed with significant damage to its nose after being struck by suspected lightning while descending through severe weather over northern India.
The aircraft, travelling from Patna to Lucknow, encountered a hailstorm at roughly 17,000ft on Wednesday before touching down safely at Chaudhary Charan Singh International Airport. The damage to the nose cone was only identified after landing.
Investigation into Flight 6E925
Officials are investigating claims that Flight 6E925 experienced a jolt from a lightning strike amid the storm, though the source of the damage remains unconfirmed, as reported by The Mirror.
Despite the visible impact, the plane completed its landing without complications and arrived eight minutes earlier than expected. All 104 passengers and six crew members exited safely, with no casualties recorded.
Aircraft grounded for repairs
While commercial aircraft typically encounter lightning strikes once or twice annually, it is considerably rarer for them to suffer damage as a result. Aeroplanes are constructed with conducting pathways to endure strikes and channel electrical current.
Following arrival, Flight 6E925 underwent an inspection, revealing that the radome appeared to have been forced inward by the strike. Safety officials have grounded the aircraft, which will remain out of service until repairs are completed. An investigation is under way to establish the precise cause of the damage.
An IndiGo spokesperson said: "IndiGo flight 6E 625 operating from Patna to Lucknow on 07 October 2026 encountered unfavourable weather, including a 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."
