Travel Terrifying Flight as AirAsia Plane Slammed by Hailstorm – Nose Crumpled, Cockpit Damaged

[Georgealbert]

 

Picture courtesy of Amarin

 

A Thai AirAsia flight carrying 147 people endured a terrifying ordeal after being battered by a hailstorm while descending into Chongqing, China. The Airbus A320 suffered significant damage, including a crumpled nose cone and a damaged cockpit windshield, but landed safely without any injuries.

 

The incident occurred on 17 July 2025 during flight FD552 from Bangkok Don Mueang International Airport to Chongqing Jiangbei International Airport. According to a post by aviation monitoring page Outsider’s Aviation, the aircraft, registered HS-BBA, encountered severe turbulence and was pummelled by hailstones while descending into Chongqing.

 

Passengers described the aircraft violently shaking as it flew through the extreme weather. Despite the frightening conditions, the pilots managed to land the aircraft safely. Once on the ground, the damage was clearly visible, the aircraft’s nose cone was visibly crushed and parts of the cockpit windshield was cracked

 

Fortunately, no injuries were reported among the 147 people on board, including crew members.

 

Due to the extent of the damage, the return flight (FD553) from Chongqing to Bangkok was delayed. Thai AirAsia issued a statement confirming the incident and emphasising that passenger safety remained the airline’s top priority.

 

The airline provided affected passengers with food, accommodation, and ground support services during the delay. A replacement aircraft was later arranged, and passengers arrived safely back in Bangkok on 18 July.

 

  Adapted by Asean Now from Amarin 2025-07-20

 

 

 

[daveAustin]

That is impressive. Shades of Superman Returns.