Aviation watchdog Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) on Friday said the crew of the IndiGo flight from the national capital to Srinagar on Wednesday had sought permission to enter Pakistan airspace to avoid turbulence but the request was rejected.

Faced with rapidly deteriorating weather conditions and limited alternatives, the crew initially considered turning back but ultimately decided to fly through the storm to minimise exposure time.

IndiGo flight 6E-2142 from Delhi to Srinagar faced severe hailstorm and turbulence. Denied airspace by Pakistan and IAF, it landed safely but suffered nose damage.