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NDTV
5 days ago
- NDTV
30 Terrifying Minutes On A Delhi-Srinagar Flight That Changed My Life - By Derek O'Brien
There are some things about life that we take for granted. Sometimes that list includes life itself, whether we realise it or not. On Wednesday, May 21, I boarded an Indigo flight from Delhi to Srinagar. Just another day in public life. Just another flight. I take my usual seat at 19F, at the emergency exit. Opting for that seat is an old habit. I'm on autopilot, doing all the things I normally do on a flight. Forty-five minutes in the air. Halfway to our destination. Then, there is an announcement over the PA, asking us to fasten seatbelts. But there's no turbulence. About five minutes later, we see lightning, clearly visible as it stabs through daylight. Now there is some turbulence, but it progresses rapidly. I realise this is not your regular turbulence. This is severe, the likes I've never experienced on my 'frequent flyer miles' before. Not Your Usual Turbulence The plane is scarily tilting to the right. I am acutely aware of this because I am seated on the right-hand side of the Airbus A321neo. I'm accustomed to planes banking for a variety of reasons, but this does not feel like a normal situation. It is not a series of bumps or jerks. The entire aircraft starts tilting precariously. We are hurtling down, seemingly to a sickening drop. Not a minute or two, I would say, at least ten terrifying minutes. Outside, all we can see are clouds, ripped apart by angry streaks of lightning and constant hail. My mind is racing. Now there are other noises in the passenger cabin. Not the normal buzz of conversation or a meal service. No, now people are screaming. Praying. Chanting. Some are actually screeching. The wave of sound creates added tension and fear. I am conscious of passengers trying to film on their phones. But a voice - was it male? Female? Passenger? Flight attendant? I can't remember. The voice says, 'Stop filming'. My life doesn't flash before me. Instead, I'm consumed by the thought that if something goes terribly wrong, I will miss the wedding in a few months of my only daughter. I think of my daughter, wife, stepdaughters, brothers, colleagues, friends. I think of what a tragedy it would be to leave them all behind, without the chance to say goodbye to any of them. Sadness. The sadness is overwhelming. It is a deep, abiding sorrow for relationships and friendships that will not progress beyond this fraught afternoon. Counting My Blessings Yes, I am aware of how blessed my life has been. Perhaps - I honestly don't know - it had something to do with going to a dingy lane in Kolkata in 1990, which housed the worldwide headquarters of a congregation of nuns. The setting was spartan, almost awkward: four tackily painted wooden stools set out on a verandah overlooking a quadrangle. My first meeting and touching the hand of Mother Teresa (now St. Teresa of Calcutta). So, what else ran through my mind? I didn't think about politics. I didn't think about Parliament. I didn't think about the number of followers I had on X or Instagram. I was focused on the people I love. People who mean the world to me. People who have been an important part of my life. I prayed to a higher being. I made a pact. A pact to be good. My colleague, a few seats away, had felt the tension too. We had battled our own fears in our ways. Bathed in perspiration, he looked as if he had just stepped out of a shower. At the time, I didn't think to ask him what I looked like. It was probably thirty minutes before we landed. Before we touched down, a member of the cabin crew asked us to pull down our window shades, because we were landing at a military airfield. After taxing to a halt, the engines were switched off and everyone began to deplane. A Newfound Gratitude I didn't follow. I remained seated. Alone. Why? I'm not sure. Perhaps to let it all sink in. Perhaps to process it all. Perhaps to decompress. I don't know why exactly. But it gave me a chance to speak to the pilots before they left the aircraft. I thanked them on behalf of all the passengers and crew. The captain told me that it had been the most difficult flight in his forty-one years as a pilot. We kept speaking, but I promised him that the rest of our conversation would remain private forever. I only saw the damage to the nose when I deplaned. I still have no idea what that damage could have done, or the potential danger it posed to our collective safety. I am home now. It's been a week. I thought I'd dealt with it in my own way. But I was wrong. Then, a few hours ago, I spoke to a childhood friend. He did the best thing any friend could ever have done. He listened. I had to stop several times as my emotions welled up repeatedly. All he said, amid the prolonged silence and my stifled sobs, was a simple, quiet, "It's all right. I'm here." I had to stop several times to regain my composure. That flight changed who I am. It changed how I regard every aspect of my life. That experience was unforgettable. Deep. Life changing. Now I fully comprehend that life is a gift. It is to be cherished. I haven't forgotten my pact. It will be the basis of the new profound gratitude I have for life.
Yahoo
24-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Saudi Arabia Transforms Into a Global Luxury Destination
As luxury hotels rise from desert sands and ancient historical sites open to international visitors, the travel world is turning its attention to Saudi Arabia. The kingdom, which was closed to international tourists just a few years ago, is emerging as luxury travel's new frontier, blending centuries-old heritage with cutting-edge sustainable design and five-star hospitality. More from WWD The 'Experience Economy' Reshapes Travel Velocity Black Is Transforming Consumers' Luxury Experience Waldorf Astoria Staffers Get Uniforms Designed by Nicholas Oakwell Saudi Arabia's government has invested over $800 billion in tourism, making it the world's fastest-growing tourism market. In the first quarter of 2025, international arrivals jumped 23 percent, building on record numbers from 2024, according to data released last month by the Saudi Tourism Authority. The country surpassed its ambitious visitor target for 2030, seven years ahead of schedule, coinciding with Saudi Arabia's emergence as a global arts and culture destination. World-class exhibitions and high-end hospitality concepts are attracting a sophisticated international audience seeking immersive cultural experiences. Tourism spending has surged, with international visitors contributing about $37.6 billion to the Saudi economy in 2023. The sector now accounts for 5 percent of the country's gross domestic product, up from just 3 percent in 2019, with plans to reach 10 percent by 2030. Saudi Arabia has raised its ambition further, targeting 150 million annual visitors by 2030, including 70 million international arrivals — a goal that would place the kingdom among the world's top seven most-visited countries. Riyadh Air: The Kingdom's New Global Carrier Central to Saudi Arabia's tourism strategy is Riyadh Air, the kingdom's new flagship carrier launched to connect Saudi Arabia to over 100 destinations by 2030. The first flights are set to take off at the end of this year. With a fleet of state-of-the-art aircraft, Riyadh Air represents Saudi Arabia's determination to create a world-class aviation experience. The airline, backed by Saudi Arabia's Public Investment Fund, has already placed orders for dozens of aircraft, including 39 Boeing 787-9 Dreamliners and 60 Airbus A321neo aircraft. The recently unveiled cabin interiors rival the most luxurious airlines in the world, with four-tier seating including a dramatic 'Business Elite' class featuring 52-inch-high privacy walls, 78-inch fully flat beds, and what the airline claims are the world's largest business class screens at 32 inches. The branding incorporates Saudi heritage through a color palette of deep purples, mocha gold, and veined stone accents. The airline has partnered with high-end French audio company Devialet to embed speakers directly into the headrests, eliminating the need for headphones. Saudi couturier Ashi has designed the uniforms, which were revealed during Paris couture week. 'Riyadh Air will be a digitally native airline, driven by a pioneering spirit with an obsessive focus on attention to detail and innovation at its heart,' said Tony Douglas, chief executive officer of Riyadh Air. 'We aim to permanently transcend our guests' perceptions and experiences of flying in the modern world.' Douglas emphasizes the market necessity driving the airline's creation: 'We're not trying to create a market that doesn't exist. Riyadh, the capital city of a G20 country, is not well enough connected. Today, you do not have the option to fly direct to Tokyo. You do not have the option to fly direct to Shanghai or Seoul or Sydney, and the list just goes on and on.'. Hosting the World: Major Global Events Saudi Arabia's event calendar has expanded dramatically as the country has opened up. Cultural festivals like MDLBeast Soundstorm, one of the world's largest music festivals, are attracting international artists and visitors in unprecedented numbers. The Formula 1 Saudi Arabian Grand Prix has become a fixture on the racing calendar, and the kingdom has invested heavily in sporting events ranging from championship boxing matches to golf tournaments. The upcoming 2034 FIFA World Cup will put the kingdom at the center of the global sports stage. The recently completed Diriyah Gate project, a $50 billion cultural and lifestyle destination near Riyadh, showcases the kingdom's UNESCO World Heritage site while offering luxury retail, dining, and entertainment experiences in a setting that honors Saudi Arabia's historical roots. To accommodate the projected influx of visitors, Saudi Arabia is dramatically expanding its tourism infrastructure. Hotel capacity is scheduled to double from 400,000 rooms to 800,000 rooms by 2035, with major international hospitality brands establishing a presence in the kingdom. Airport development is accelerating, with King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh undergoing significant expansion and the new King Salman International Airport under construction with a capacity to handle 120 million passengers annually. Ground transportation is being enhanced with new high-speed rail connections and road networks linking major tourism destinations. Red Sea Global: Redefining Luxury Tourism Perhaps no project better exemplifies Saudi Arabia's tourism ambitions than the Red Sea Development. Red Sea Global is creating what aims to be the world's most ambitious regenerative tourism destination, with strict environmental protections and a commitment to operate using 100 percent renewable energy. The project, which will eventually encompass 22 islands and six inland sites, is already welcoming guests to its first luxury resorts. Major international hotel brands are making significant investments in Saudi Arabia. Marriott International has been particularly aggressive in its expansion within the kingdom with 40 hotels and more than 11,000 rooms in its development pipeline for the country. 'We are super excited about what's going on in Saudi,' says Tina Edmundson, president of luxury at Marriott International. 'The vision is very compelling.' Marriott's current investments include the St. Regis and The Ritz Carlton Reserve, Nujuma Reserve at the Red Sea, an upcoming Edition hotel in the Red Sea, and multiple luxury properties across key Saudi cities. Among its newest properties is Bab Samhan, a Luxury Collection Hotel, which opened in January in Diriyah, the historic district of Riyadh known as the birthplace of the kingdom. Bab Samhan — named after one of the most iconic gates in historic Diriyah — is the first luxury hotel to open in the UNESCO World Heritage area. Its location offers panoramic views of Wadi Hanifah and is within walking distance to At-Turaif, the UNESCO World Heritage Site, and the popular Bujairi Terrace dining district. Edmundson highlights the strategic importance of the Saudi market, noting, 'Luxury is such an important part of the Saudi vision.' She also praised the kingdom's commitment to sustainability: 'They've approached building in a way to really protect the environment.' Even with the remarkable momentum, Saudi Arabia's tourism transformation faces challenges. The kingdom must balance its conservative cultural identity with the expectations of international visitors and continue to develop its tourism infrastructure and workforce. But Douglas highlights that beyond transportation, Riyadh Air serves as a powerful branding vehicle for the kingdom's tourism aspirations, carrying the message of Saudi Arabia's transformation to global markets and helping to overcome some of the perception challenges. 'Riyadh Air will play a considerable role in opening our kingdom to the world for many more people to enjoy our hospitality, warmth and beautiful tourist sites.' Best of WWD The Definitive Timeline for Sean 'Diddy' Combs' Sean John Fashion Brand: Lawsuits, Runway Shows and Who Owns It Now What the Highest-paid CEOs at U.S. Fashion and Retail Companies Make Confidence Holds Up, But How Much Can Consumers Take?
Time of India
23-05-2025
- Climate
- Time of India
IAF helped IndiGo plane land safely in J&K after Pakistan snub
NEW DELHI: When IndiGo's Delhi-Srinagar flight of May 21 flew into severe turbulence and a hailstorm near Pathankot, they first tried to steer clear of the bad weather but were not allowed to do so by Lahore ATC. They then considered returning to Delhi before deciding to continue to Srinagar, safely manoeuvring through challenging operating circumstances before safely landing the plane with 220 people, reports Saurabh Sinha. "Once Lahore refused overflight clearance, and the aircraft proceeded towards Srinagar, the flight was subsequently professionally assisted," IAF sources said. IndiGo pilots flew aircraft manually till they came out of hailstorm The flight was subsequently professionally assisted till a safe-landing at Srinagar airfield by giving control vectors and groundspeed readouts," IAF sources said. During this time, the pilots of IndiGo flight (6E-2142) got multiple warnings - like maximum operating speed and angle of attack fault - for the Airbus A321neo (VT-IMD). They flew the aircraft manually (without autopilot) till they exited the hailstorm and declared an urgency situation. The aircraft touched down at Srinagar with everyone safe. But the plane's nosecone (radome) was damaged while flying through the hailstorm. DGCA, which is probing the incident, said in a statement Friday that the aircraft flew into the hailstorm while cruising at 36,000 feet: "As per crew statement, they requested IAF Northern Control for deviating left towards the international border due to weather on the route. However, it was not approved. Later, crew contacted Lahore (air traffic control) to enter their airspace to avoid the weather but the same was also refused. Crew initially attempted to return (to Delhi) but as they were close to the thunderstorm cloud, they decided to penetrate the weather." "Crew chose to continue at the same heading to exit the weather by shortest route towards Srinagar. While in thunderstorm cloud, warnings of angle of attack fault, alternate law protection lost and backup speed scale unreliable were triggered. Due to updraft & downdraft... autopilot tripped and aircraft speed had wide variations. As a result, maximum operating speed/maximum operating Mach warnings and repeated stall warnings were triggered," DGCA said. During this period, DGCA statement says, the plane's rate of descent reached 8,500 feet per minute. "Crew flew the aircraft manually till they exited the hailstorm. After carrying out all checklist actions, crew declared PAN PAN (urgency call) to Srinagar ATC, requested radar vectors, and made a safe landing with auto thrust operating normally," it added. IAF sources said: "The NOTAM issued by Pakistani civil aviation authorities was in vogue (barring Indian aircraft from Pakistani airspace)..."
Khaleej Times
23-05-2025
- Khaleej Times
India, Pakistan denied IndiGo flight permission to cross border to avoid hailstorm
An IndiGo passenger plane attempting to avoid severe weather en route to Indian Kashmir was denied permission to divert towards Pakistan by both the Indian Air Force and Pakistan, India's aviation regulator said on Friday. No passengers were injured when the flight from India's capital Delhi to the northern Indian city of Srinagar was forced to fly through a hailstorm. But a post-landing inspection revealed damage to the aircraft's nose, the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) said in a statement, adding that the incident was under investigation. An image shared by the Times of India newspaper on the social media platform X showed a large hole in the front of the aircraft, while a video also circulating on the site showed passengers screaming and praying during the turbulence. Reuters could not immediately verify the authenticity of the video. The incident highlights the risks commercial airlines and passengers face after tensions between India and Pakistan led the two nuclear-armed neighbours to close their airspaces to each other's airlines last month. The Airbus A321neo, which typically has seating capacity for 180 to 220 passengers, was first denied a request to turn towards the India-Pakistan border by the Indian Air Force, the regulator said, without specifying the reason. The IAF did not immediately respond to a request for comment. The flight crew then contacted the city of Lahore in Pakistan requesting entry into Pakistan's airspace, but that was also denied, the DGCA said. A spokesperson for the Pakistan Civil Aviation Authority declined to comment. The crew of flight 6E 2142 then flew through the storm, choosing the shortest route to Srinagar, the summer capital of Indian Kashmir. "The flight and cabin crew followed established protocol and the aircraft landed safely in Srinagar," IndiGo said in a statement. It later said the aircraft was undergoing checks in Srinagar and would resume operations once clearances had been secured. The two countries declared a truce earlier this month. Their airspaces, however, remain closed to each other's airlines.
Straits Times
23-05-2025
- Straits Times
IndiGo plane forced to fly through hailstorm after denied diversion by India and Pakistan
No passengers on board the IndiGo flight were injured. PHOTO: REUTERS IndiGo plane forced to fly through hailstorm after denied diversion by India and Pakistan An IndiGo passenger plane attempting to avoid severe weather en route to Indian Kashmir was denied permission to divert towards Pakistan by both the Indian Air Force (IAF) and Pakistan, India's aviation regulator said on May 23. No passengers were injured when the flight from India's capital Delhi to the northern Indian city of Srinagar was forced to fly through a hailstorm. But a post-landing inspection revealed damage to the aircraft's nose, the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) said in a statement, adding that the incident was under investigation. An image shared by the Times of India newspaper on the social media platform X showed a large hole in the front of the aircraft, while a video also circulating on the site showed passengers screaming and praying during the turbulence. Reuters could not immediately verify the authenticity of the video. The incident highlights the risks commercial airlines and passengers face after tensions between India and Pakistan led the two nuclear-armed neighbours to close their airspaces to each other's airlines last month. The Airbus A321neo, which typically has seating capacity for 180 to 220 passengers, was first denied a request to turn towards the India-Pakistan border by the IAF, the regulator said, without specifying the reason. The IAF did not immediately respond to a request for comment. The flight crew then contacted the city of Lahore in Pakistan requesting entry into Pakistan's airspace, but that was also denied, the DGCA said. A spokesperson for the Pakistan Civil Aviation Authority declined to comment. The crew of flight 6E 2142 then flew through the storm, choosing the shortest route to Srinagar, the summer capital of Indian Kashmir. "The flight and cabin crew followed established protocol and the aircraft landed safely in Srinagar," IndiGo said in a statement. It later said the aircraft was undergoing checks in Srinagar and would resume operations once clearances had been secured. Tensions flared between India and Pakistan following a deadly attack on tourists in Indian Kashmir in April, eventually triggering the two neighbours' worst military conflict in nearly three decades. The two countries declared a truce earlier this month. Their airspaces, however, remain closed to each other's airlines. REUTERS Join ST's Telegram channel and get the latest breaking news delivered to you.
