Austrian Airlines Plane Severely Damaged by Hailstorm During Flight

An Austrian Airlines plane sustained extensive damage after encountering a hailstorm while in flight on Sunday, according to Austrian Airlines.

The Airbus A320, carrying 173 passengers and six crew members, was en route from Palma de Mallorca, Spain, to Vienna, Austria, when it flew into a thunderstorm cell. These cells contain updrafts and downdrafts that can cause significant turbulence.

Despite the extensive damage to the nose and cockpit of the aircraft, the plane landed safely at Vienna International Airport, and no injuries were reported. Austrian Airlines confirmed that a mayday emergency call was made during the flight.

Images shared on social media revealed the severe damage: the nose of the aircraft was seriously dented, the top of the cockpit was bent, and the cockpit windows were cracked. Austrian Airlines stated, "The aircraft was caught in a thunderstorm cell on approach to Vienna, which according to the cockpit crew was not visible on the weather radar."

The hailstorm damaged the two front cockpit windows, the nose of the aircraft (known as the "radome"), and some paneling. The plane is currently undergoing a detailed damage assessment.

This incident comes in the wake of other recent severe weather-related disruptions in aviation. Last month, a Singapore Airlines flight experienced severe turbulence, resulting in one passenger's death and injuries to over 70 others. Additionally, a Qatar Airways flight from Doha to Dublin reported 12 injuries due to turbulence.