Srinagar-Bound SpiceJet Flight From Delhi Allegedly Free-Falls Near Banihal Pass, Passenger Shares Shocking Video

New Delhi: A SpiceJet passenger on Sunday claimed that his flight from Delhi to Srinagar abruptly plunged several hundred metres in a terrifying mid-air descent over Jammu and Kashmir's treacherous Banihal Pass. The passenger has also shared a video to support his claims, wherein the passengers can be seen holding aircraft seats, while one of the flight attendants was captured crawling inside the flight. 

According to reports, the SpiceJet flight SG-385 from Delhi to Srinagar encountered turbulence. The passenger shared the video claiming the plane dropped several hundred meters in free fall over the Banihal Pass. However, contrary to the passenger's claim, SpiceJet stated that the July 12 flight experienced brief turbulence due to monsoon weather conditions, with no plunge or crew injuries reported. The aircraft landed safely in Srinagar, with the turbulence occurring during descent while the seatbelt sign was on.

SpiceJet Flight SG-385 Incident Details

The disputed incident on SpiceJet flight SG-385 brought forth the challenges airlines face in communicating with passengers during turbulence. The passengers on board shared videos and descriptions of the terrifying experience, which showed panic-stricken passengers.

According to SpiceJet, the turbulence was brief and expected given the prevailing weather conditions. As per information, the flight SG-385 typically takes around 1 hour and 50 minutes to cover the 642 km distance between Delhi and Srinagar.

However, the video, reportedly filmed during the incident by the passenger, which has now exploded across social media platforms, left everyone shocked. 

IndiGo Flight IGO5009 Emergency Landing

Earlier, in a separate incident, an IndiGo flight from Patna to Delhi, IGO5009, made an emergency landing after takeoff due to a bird strike, causing technical issues in one of its engines. The aircraft, carrying 175 passengers and crew, safely landed back in Patna, with all passengers accounted for. The flight will undergo inspection, and IndiGo will arrange alternative transportation for passengers to reach their destination.

The IndiGo flight IGO5009 incident occurred shortly after takeoff from Jayaprakash Narayan International Airport at 8.42 am. Following the bird strike, the aircraft requested an emergency landing due to vibration in one engine. Patna airport officials confirmed the incident, stating that a dead bird was found on the runway during inspection.