An IndiGo flight bound for Agartala was struck by lightning at Kolkata Airport amid severe thunderstorms on Friday morning. While all 141 passengers and crew remained safe, three ground staff suffered temporary hearing loss. Aviation authorities and the DGCA have launched safety inspections as adverse weather continues across Kolkata.
An IndiGo flight scheduled to operate from Kolkata to Agartala was struck by lightning while on the ground at Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose International Airport on Friday morning, creating a tense situation for passengers and airport personnel amid severe weather conditions affecting the city.
The aircraft, operating as Flight 6E-6068, was preparing for departure to Agartala at around 9:30 a.m. when a lightning bolt reportedly struck the plane during a spell of intense thunderstorms sweeping across Kolkata. The impact generated a loud noise that startled passengers and airport staff in the vicinity, prompting immediate safety measures.
According to airport sources, three ground staff members were affected by the incident and briefly experienced hearing loss due to the intensity of the strike. Emergency medical assistance was provided without delay, and the affected personnel were transported to a nearby hospital for evaluation. Doctors later confirmed that their condition had stabilized and that they were out of danger.
IndiGo officials stated that all 141 passengers and crew members on board the aircraft remained unharmed. As a precautionary measure and in accordance with standard aviation safety protocols, passengers were safely deboarded while technical teams began preliminary assessments of the aircraft.
To minimize disruption, the airline arranged a replacement aircraft for the stranded passengers. The substitute flight later departed for Agartala at approximately 1:30 p.m., allowing travelers to continue their journey with limited delay despite the weather-related incident.
The aircraft that sustained the lightning strike has been withdrawn from active service pending a detailed technical examination. Aviation experts note that while modern commercial aircraft are designed to withstand lightning strikes, comprehensive inspections are mandatory following such incidents to ensure the aircraft remains fully airworthy.
The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has been informed of the incident, and aviation authorities have initiated a thorough safety assessment. Sources indicated that engineers and inspectors are conducting mandatory checks on the aircraft’s electrical systems, structural components, and critical flight equipment before any decision is made regarding its return to operation.
Airport officials emphasized that the incident underscores the challenges posed by extreme weather events, particularly during the monsoon season. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has forecast continued heavy rainfall, thunderstorms, and lightning activity across Kolkata and surrounding regions through the weekend, raising the possibility of further disruptions to flight schedules.
Despite the frightening experience, aviation authorities praised the swift response of ground staff and airline personnel. Their prompt actions and strict adherence to established safety procedures ensured the safety of passengers and crew, preventing the incident from escalating into a more serious emergency.
| Also Read: Yoga for Healthy Ageing Theme Marks IDY 2026 |
The event serves as a reminder of the importance of aviation safety measures during adverse weather conditions and highlights the preparedness of airport and airline teams in handling unexpected situations effectively.
