Inside a Harrowing, Hail-Damaged Flight: ‘We Thought It Was Our Last'

Sheikh Samiullah, a frequent flier, thought nothing of it when he heard the pilot of his flight tell passengers to fasten their seatbelts and ask the cabin crew to be seated.
But within minutes, the plane encountered a severe hailstorm and suddenly plunged. Mr. Samiullah and other passengers aboard the Wednesday flight by an IndiGo passenger jet traveling from the Indian capital of New Delhi to Srinagar, in the Kashmir region, started screaming and shouting. Even the flight attendants were crying, he said.
'They were calling their gods, we were calling our gods,' Mr. Samiullah, 33, said of the passengers shouting prayers in Hindi and Arabic. 'We thought it was our last flight; we thought we were going to die.'
The plane jolted upward and from side to side, and then plunged again, over a period of five to six minutes, Mr. Samiullah recounted. He was sure the plane would crash into the mountains below or be struck by the lightning visible from the windows.
A video that Mr. Samiullah, the chief executive of a logistics company, posted on social media showed terrified passengers exclaiming as the plane jolted.
'Nobody was expecting we would go for a safe landing,' he said.
But about 20 minutes after all the turmoil and fright, the plane landed safely. As passengers deplaned, they noticed a large chunk of the plane's nose was missing, apparently damaged by the hail.
IndiGo said in a statement on Wednesday that the flight had encountered a 'sudden hailstorm.' It added: 'The flight and cabin crew followed established protocol, and the aircraft landed safely in Srinagar.'
Hail and turbulence — or unstable air movement caused by changes in wind speed and direction — are the greatest hazards to aircraft during thunderstorms, according to the Federal Aviation Administration. Hail can freeze onto other pieces of hail, sometimes growing into a huge ice ball. Hailstones larger than half an inch in diameter can 'significantly damage an aircraft in a few seconds,' the agency said. Hail can occur even in clear air several miles from a thunderstorm.
Passenger aircraft are not designed to absorb large hailstone impacts without damage, Airbus said in its Safety First magazine. Extreme hailstorms can lead to loss of visibility, unreliable air data or engine failure, and the best way to avoid them is to rely on weather radars.
Last year a 73-year-old British man died and dozens were injured when a Singapore Airlines plane hit intense turbulence 10 hours into a flight from London to Singapore. The plane rose unexpectedly by 362 feet, likely because of an updraft, and sped up unexpectedly. Pilots manually hit a brake in response, and the plane lost about 178 feet of altitude in less than five seconds.

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Fox News

8 hours ago

• Fox News

First electric passenger plane lands at JFK in milestone flight

It's not every day aviation history is made, but June 2025 marked a real milestone for New York and the world of electric flight. For the first time, a passenger-carrying electric airplane landed at John F. Kennedy International Airport, and it wasn't just a test. There were actual people on board. Sign up for my FREE CyberGuy ReportGet my best tech tips, urgent security alerts and exclusive deals delivered straight to your inbox. Plus, you'll get instant access to my Ultimate Scam Survival Guide — free when you join. Kyle Clark, founder and CEO of Beta Technologies, was at the controls as the company's electric aircraft flew from East Hampton to JFK. With four passengers on board, the trip covered about 70 nautical miles in just over half an hour. That's right, a fully electric plane, carrying people, quietly and efficiently making its way through the skies above New York. Clark put it simply, "This is a 100% electric airplane that just flew from East Hampton to JFK with passengers on it, which was a first for the New York Port Authority and the New York area. We covered 70 odd nautical miles in 35 minutes." The message this sent was clear that electric air travel is here, and it's practical. The real takeaway isn't just the novelty of the flight, but what it means for the future of getting around. Electric aircraft like this one are quiet, which means happier communities near airports. They're also much cheaper to operate. As Clark noted, "Charging this thing up and flying out here cost us about $8 in fuel. Of course, you have to pay for the pilot and the airplane, but, fundamentally, it's way less expensive." Passengers on the flight could talk to each other the whole time, thanks to the lack of noisy engines and propellers. That kind of comfort and accessibility is exactly what could make electric air travel a hit with commuters and travelers looking for a better way to get from one point to another. Transportation companies are already eyeing electric battery-powered aircraft for short city trips, especially those that can take off and land vertically. The idea is to help travelers beat traffic and reduce emissions, all while offering a smoother, quieter ride. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has also stepped in, finalizing new rules in October for pilot training and certification for air taxis. This move was described as "the final piece in the puzzle for safely introducing these aircraft in the near term." With regulations in place and companies like Beta Technologies pushing forward, the dream of electric air taxis is closer than ever. Beta Technologies, based in Vermont and founded in 2017, is at the forefront of this movement. The company recently raised $318 million to fund production, certification and commercialization of its electric aircraft, bringing its total funding to over $1 billion. It's not just building planes. It's building the infrastructure needed to support electric flight across the country. The success of this flight is a strong signal that electric air travel is becoming a practical option, not just a futuristic idea. Beta's aircraft can fly up to 250 nautical miles on a single charge, making it ideal for short hops between cities and suburbs. As more companies join the effort and more charging stations are built, it's easy to see how electric air travel could become a regular part of how we get around, especially in busy urban areas. So, what's the real story here? The first passenger-carrying electric airplane touching down at JFK is way more than a cool headline. It's proof that electric air travel isn't just some futuristic thing. It's actually here, it works and it's ready to shake up how we get around. With rules that make sense, plenty of investment and people getting more curious and excited, the future of clean, quiet and easy-to-access air travel is looking pretty promising. When it comes to new tech like electric planes, what makes you hesitate the most? Are you more concerned about safety and reliability or is there something else on your mind? Let us know by writing us at For more of my tech tips and security alerts, subscribe to my free CyberGuy Report Newsletter by heading to Follow Kurt on his social channels Answers to the most asked CyberGuy questions: New from Kurt: Copyright 2025 All rights reserved.

Yahoo

a day ago

• Yahoo

These Are the Longest Flights in the World—Plus Doctor-approved Tips for Getting Through Ultra-long Hauls

The longest commercial flight in the world is a nearly 19-hour route between New York City and Singapore. All 10 of the longest routes currently operating are over 17 hours long. Ultra-long-haul flights can be uncomfortable, so we spoke with two medical experts for their top tips for surviving—and even enjoying—super-long to next-gen aircraft, cutting-edge technology, and a surge in demand for seamless international travel, ultra-long-haul flights are pushing the boundaries of modern aviation. Today's longest nonstop routes top 18 hours and cover nearly 10,000 miles, linking cities like Singapore and New York or Auckland and Doha in a single, uninterrupted leg. Ahead, we've compiled some of the longest commercial flights on carriers like Qantas, Singapore Airlines, and Air New Zealand—plus expert-approved strategies to help you make the most of every mile on these marathon journeys at 35,000 feet. Flight time: 18 hours and 40 minutesCarrier: Singapore AirlinesNumber of miles: 9,536 At nearly 19 hours long, this New York City to Singapore flight, operated by Singapore Airlines, is the world's longest passenger flight, both by distance and duration. Passengers fly aboard a specially configured Airbus A350-900ULR, designed for ultra-long-range travel with enhanced fuel capacity and comfort. It also features a unique two-class layout—with business class and premium economy (read: no standard economy)—to optimize the onboard experience for this marathon journey. Flight time: 18 hours and 25 minutesCarrier: Singapore AirlinesNumber of miles: 9,523 This Singapore to Newark flight clocks in just shy of 18 hours and 30 minutes—slightly shorter than its New York-to-Singapore counterpart listed above. It's operated by the same aircraft, the Airbus A350-900ULR, which, as noted earlier, omits economy seating in favor of just premium economy and business class to ensure a more comfortable experience. Flight time: 18 hoursCarrier: Air New Zealand, QantasNumber of miles: 8,828 This 18-hour Air New Zealand flight is notable for connecting New Zealand and the U.S. East Coast on an unusually long nonstop route. It's operated by a specially configured Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner, featuring 18 business class seats, 21 premium economy seats, and 263 economy seats—including several Economy Skycouch rows, where adjustable leg rests can transform standard seats into lie-flat couch-style spaces. In May 2025, Air New Zealand began flying newly retrofitted Dreamliners equipped with larger 4K screens, Bluetooth audio pairing, and the option to use personal devices as remotes. Starting in 2026, the airline plans to roll out its innovative "Skynest" sleeping pods—a bunk-bed-style setup designed to give economy passengers a place to lie flat and rest during ultra-long-haul flights. Qantas also offers this route on the same plane. Flight time: 17 hours and 55 minutesCarrier: Air IndiaNumber of miles: 8,701 Just five minutes shy of the 18-hour mark, this San Francisco to Bengaluru route from Air India, which launched in 2021, covers a whopping 8,701 miles. The voyage takes place aboard a Boeing 777-200LR, an ultra-long-range aircraft designed specifically for these marathon routes. Onboard, passengers can expect a three-class configuration, including business class equipped with lie-flat seats, premium economy, and standard economy. While the product may not be the most cutting-edge among international carriers, the route, which connects two tech hubs—Silicon Valley and Bengaluru—makes it a major draw for business travelers. Flight time: 17 hours and 35 minutesCarrier: Singapore AirlinesNumber of miles: 8,762 Connecting Southeast Asia with the U.S. West Coast, this 17-hour, 35-minute journey from Los Angeles to Singapore is one of the world's longest nonstop flights. Operated by Singapore Airlines, the route is flown aboard the aforementioned Airbus A350-900ULR, which is distinguished by its absence of an economy cabin. Not only does this route link two global business hubs, but it also serves as a key gateway for U.S. travelers heading to Southeast Asia, making it easier than ever to explore the region. Flight time: 17 hours and 35 minutesCarrier: QantasNumber of miles: 8,990 Operated by a Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner, this Qantas flight spans nearly 9,000 miles, connecting Australia with the southern United States in just under 18 hours, eliminating the need for layovers in Los Angeles or Sydney. With lie-flat business class seats, premium economy, and standard economy options, it's designed to serve both business and leisure travelers making the trek across the globe. From Dallas, travelers can continue onward to many destinations around the U.S. with partner airline, American Airlines. Flight time: 17 hours and 30 minutesCarrier: QantasNumber of miles: 9,009 This Qantas flight from Perth to London was the first-ever nonstop commercial service between Australia and the United Kingdom. Covering more than 9,000 miles in roughly 17.5 hours, it launched in 2018 and marked a major milestone in ultra-long-haul travel by eliminating stopovers in Asia or the Middle East. Aboard the Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner, you'll find lie-flat business class, premium economy, and standard economy cabins. Flight time: 17 hours and 15 minutesCarrier: QantasNumber of miles: 8,580 This Dallas to Sydney route is also considered to be one of the world's longest nonstop commercial flights. While Qantas primarily uses the Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner on international routes like this flight, the airline will begin alternating with the Airbus A380 aircraft in August 2025. The latter aircraft offers additional seats and is also the only one in Qantas' current fleet to feature a first class. In addition to 14 first-class seats, it'll offer 70 business class seats, 60 premium economy seats, and 341 economy seats. Flight time: 17 hours and 20 minutesCarrier: Qatar AirwaysNumber of miles: 9,031 Spanning a total of 9,031 miles, Qatar Airways' Auckland to Doha flight route ranks among the world's longest flights. Passengers fly aboard Qatar Airways' Airbus A350-1000, featuring the airline's award-winning Qsuite Business Class, complete with fully lie-flat beds and sliding privacy doors. In economy, travelers enjoy generous legroom and a robust selection of in-flight entertainment. In addition to linking New Zealand with the Middle East, this route offers easy onward connections to Europe, Africa, and Asia via Qatar Airways' hub at Hamad International Airport in Doha. Flight time: 17 hours and 5 minutesCarrier: EmiratesNumber of miles: 8,823 Emirates' Auckland to Dubai service ranks among the longest A380-operated flights in the world, covering 8,823 miles in just over 17 hours. The route serves as a key jumping-off point for destinations across Europe, Africa, and Asia, thanks to Emirates' extensive network out of Dubai. Onboard the expansive double-decker aircraft, passengers can expect the airline's signature amenities: private first-class suites, lie-flat business class seats, an onboard lounge and bar for premium cabins, and spacious economy cabins. "Before embarking on a long-haul flight, it's a good idea to choose light, nutrient-rich meals to keep you feeling comfortable and energized," says Lauren Manaker, MS, RDN, LD, a registered dietitian based in Charleston, South Carolina. Choose easy-to-digest foods like lean proteins, whole grains, and fruits and vegetables, while avoiding heavy, greasy meals and carbonated drinks, which can contribute to bloating. For in-flight sustenance, Manaker recommends packing wholesome snacks (think: nuts, seeds, and granola bars) to help maintain energy levels throughout the journey. "Staying hydrated during a flight is crucial because the cabin air can be quite dry," explains Manaker. "Try to drink water regularly throughout the flight, aiming for at least a cup every hour." While not essential, she notes that electrolyte supplements can be helpful—especially on longer flights—as they replenish key minerals and support hydration more effectively than water alone. One of her go-to options is Now's Effer-Hydrate Effervescent Tablets, which are "easy to add to water while in the air." When you board the plane, adjust your clocks to the time at your destination and do your best to eat, sleep, and function according to that new time zone, advises Dr. Rebecca Robbins, a sleep scientist at Brigham and Women's Hospital and an assistant professor of medicine at Harvard Medical School. "For instance, if you board an overnight flight from New York to London, it most certainly is the middle of the night at your destination." To help your body adjust, she recommends eating an early dinner the day of departure, skipping the in-flight meals and beverages, and letting the flight attendants know you'd prefer not to be disturbed so you can get some sleep. Dr. Robins recommends traveling with pre-tested sleep accessories, such as earplugs and eye masks, telling Travel + Leisure, "Think of these as your armor against sounds and light on the plane, which you cannot always control." Similarly, "You may also bring along items that give you comfort, such as a scarf that can double as a blanket." According to Dr. Robbins, if you find yourself exhausted but unable to sleep—a common challenge when crossing time zones—focusing on breathing exercises and mindfulness techniques can help calm your body and ease you into a restful state. "If you are struggling to sleep, close your eyes and try to meditate," she advises. "Bring all your attention to your breath, then imagine a bright light at your third eye. Focus all your attention on that light, expanding the light when you breathe in and making the light smaller as you breathe out." "Taking exogenous melatonin, or melatonin in tablet form, for coping with jetlag can be beneficial," explains Dr. Robbins. This is key because, per the pro, "melatonin fundamentally is for issues relating to a mismatch between our internally coded sleep and wake times and the pattern of light and darkness around us and/or social time at a new destination." As always, consult your doctor before starting any new supplement. Read the original article on Travel & Leisure

Travel + Leisure

a day ago

• Travel + Leisure

These Are the Longest Flights in the World—Plus Doctor-approved Tips for Getting Through Ultra-long Hauls

Thanks to next-gen aircraft, cutting-edge technology, and a surge in demand for seamless international travel, ultra-long-haul flights are pushing the boundaries of modern aviation. Today's longest nonstop routes top 18 hours and cover nearly 10,000 miles, linking cities like Singapore and New York or Auckland and Doha in a single, uninterrupted leg. Ahead, we've compiled some of the longest commercial flights on carriers like Qantas, Singapore Airlines, and Air New Zealand—plus expert-approved strategies to help you make the most of every mile on these marathon journeys at 35,000 feet. Flight time: 18 hours and 40 minutes Carrier: Singapore Airlines Number of miles: 9,536 At nearly 19 hours long, this New York City to Singapore flight, operated by Singapore Airlines, is the world's longest passenger flight, both by distance and duration. Passengers fly aboard a specially configured Airbus A350-900ULR, designed for ultra-long-range travel with enhanced fuel capacity and comfort. It also features a unique two-class layout—with business class and premium economy (read: no standard economy)—to optimize the onboard experience for this marathon journey. An airplane flying over time: 18 hours and 25 minutes Carrier: Singapore Airlines Number of miles: 9,523 This Singapore to Newark flight clocks in just shy of 18 hours and 30 minutes—slightly shorter than its New York-to-Singapore counterpart listed above. It's operated by the same aircraft, the Airbus A350-900ULR, which, as noted earlier, omits economy seating in favor of just premium economy and business class to ensure a more comfortable experience. Flight time: 18 hours Carrier: Air New Zealand, Qantas Number of miles: 8,828 This 18-hour Air New Zealand flight is notable for connecting New Zealand and the U.S. East Coast on an unusually long nonstop route. It's operated by a specially configured Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner, featuring 18 business class seats, 21 premium economy seats, and 263 economy seats—including several Economy Skycouch rows, where adjustable leg rests can transform standard seats into lie-flat couch-style spaces. In May 2025, Air New Zealand began flying newly retrofitted Dreamliners equipped with larger 4K screens, Bluetooth audio pairing, and the option to use personal devices as remotes. Starting in 2026, the airline plans to roll out its innovative "Skynest" sleeping pods—a bunk-bed-style setup designed to give economy passengers a place to lie flat and rest during ultra-long-haul flights. Qantas also offers this route on the same plane. Flight time: 17 hours and 55 minutes Carrier: Air India Number of miles: 8,701 Just five minutes shy of the 18-hour mark, this San Francisco to Bengaluru route from Air India, which launched in 2021, covers a whopping 8,701 miles. The voyage takes place aboard a Boeing 777-200LR, an ultra-long-range aircraft designed specifically for these marathon routes. Onboard, passengers can expect a three-class configuration, including business class equipped with lie-flat seats, premium economy, and standard economy. While the product may not be the most cutting-edge among international carriers, the route, which connects two tech hubs—Silicon Valley and Bengaluru—makes it a major draw for business travelers. Flight time: 17 hours and 35 minutes Carrier: Singapore Airlines Number of miles: 8,762 Connecting Southeast Asia with the U.S. West Coast, this 17-hour, 35-minute journey from Los Angeles to Singapore is one of the world's longest nonstop flights. Operated by Singapore Airlines, the route is flown aboard the aforementioned Airbus A350-900ULR, which is distinguished by its absence of an economy cabin. Not only does this route link two global business hubs, but it also serves as a key gateway for U.S. travelers heading to Southeast Asia, making it easier than ever to explore the region. Flight time: 17 hours and 35 minutes Carrier: Qantas Number of miles: 8,990 Operated by a Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner, this Qantas flight spans nearly 9,000 miles, connecting Australia with the southern United States in just under 18 hours, eliminating the need for layovers in Los Angeles or Sydney. With lie-flat business class seats, premium economy, and standard economy options, it's designed to serve both business and leisure travelers making the trek across the globe. From Dallas, travelers can continue onward to many destinations around the U.S. with partner airline, American Airlines. Flight time: 17 hours and 30 minutes Carrier: Qantas Number of miles: 9,009 This Qantas flight from Perth to London was the first-ever nonstop commercial service between Australia and the United Kingdom. Covering more than 9,000 miles in roughly 17.5 hours, it launched in 2018 and marked a major milestone in ultra-long-haul travel by eliminating stopovers in Asia or the Middle East. Aboard the Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner, you'll find lie-flat business class, premium economy, and standard economy cabins. Flight time: 17 hours and 15 minutes Carrier: Qantas Number of miles: 8,580 This Dallas to Sydney route is also considered to be one of the world's longest nonstop commercial flights. While Qantas primarily uses the Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner on international routes like this flight, the airline will begin alternating with the Airbus A380 aircraft in August 2025. The latter aircraft offers additional seats and is also the only one in Qantas' current fleet to feature a first class. In addition to 14 first-class seats, it'll offer 70 business class seats, 60 premium economy seats, and 341 economy seats. Flight time: 17 hours and 20 minutes Carrier: Qatar Airways Number of miles: 9,031 Spanning a total of 9,031 miles, Qatar Airways' Auckland to Doha flight route ranks among the world's longest flights. Passengers fly aboard Qatar Airways' Airbus A350-1000, featuring the airline's award-winning Qsuite Business Class, complete with fully lie-flat beds and sliding privacy doors. In economy, travelers enjoy generous legroom and a robust selection of in-flight entertainment. In addition to linking New Zealand with the Middle East, this route offers easy onward connections to Europe, Africa, and Asia via Qatar Airways' hub at Hamad International Airport in Doha. Flight time: 17 hours and 5 minutes Carrier: Emirates Number of miles: 8,823 Emirates' Auckland to Dubai service ranks among the longest A380-operated flights in the world, covering 8,823 miles in just over 17 hours. The route serves as a key jumping-off point for destinations across Europe, Africa, and Asia, thanks to Emirates' extensive network out of Dubai. Onboard the expansive double-decker aircraft, passengers can expect the airline's signature amenities: private first-class suites, lie-flat business class seats, an onboard lounge and bar for premium cabins, and spacious economy cabins. A passenger sleeps on a plane with an eye mask. "Before embarking on a long-haul flight, it's a good idea to choose light, nutrient-rich meals to keep you feeling comfortable and energized," says Lauren Manaker, MS, RDN, LD, a registered dietitian based in Charleston, South Carolina. Choose easy-to-digest foods like lean proteins, whole grains, and fruits and vegetables, while avoiding heavy, greasy meals and carbonated drinks, which can contribute to bloating. For in-flight sustenance, Manaker recommends packing wholesome snacks (think: nuts, seeds, and granola bars) to help maintain energy levels throughout the journey. "Staying hydrated during a flight is crucial because the cabin air can be quite dry," explains Manaker. "Try to drink water regularly throughout the flight, aiming for at least a cup every hour." While not essential, she notes that electrolyte supplements can be helpful—especially on longer flights—as they replenish key minerals and support hydration more effectively than water alone. One of her go-to options is Now's Effer-Hydrate Effervescent Tablets, which are "easy to add to water while in the air." When you board the plane, adjust your clocks to the time at your destination and do your best to eat, sleep, and function according to that new time zone, advises Dr. Rebecca Robbins, a sleep scientist at Brigham and Women's Hospital and an assistant professor of medicine at Harvard Medical School. "For instance, if you board an overnight flight from New York to London, it most certainly is the middle of the night at your destination." To help your body adjust, she recommends eating an early dinner the day of departure, skipping the in-flight meals and beverages, and letting the flight attendants know you'd prefer not to be disturbed so you can get some sleep. Dr. Robins recommends traveling with pre-tested sleep accessories, such as earplugs and eye masks, telling Travel + Leisure , "Think of these as your armor against sounds and light on the plane, which you cannot always control." Similarly, "You may also bring along items that give you comfort, such as a scarf that can double as a blanket." According to Dr. Robbins, if you find yourself exhausted but unable to sleep—a common challenge when crossing time zones—focusing on breathing exercises and mindfulness techniques can help calm your body and ease you into a restful state. "If you are struggling to sleep, close your eyes and try to meditate," she advises. "Bring all your attention to your breath, then imagine a bright light at your third eye. Focus all your attention on that light, expanding the light when you breathe in and making the light smaller as you breathe out." "Taking exogenous melatonin, or melatonin in tablet form, for coping with jetlag can be beneficial," explains Dr. Robbins. This is key because, per the pro, "melatonin fundamentally is for issues relating to a mismatch between our internally coded sleep and wake times and the pattern of light and darkness around us and/or social time at a new destination." As always, consult your doctor before starting any new supplement.