Hailstorm damages Drukair plane, passengers safe

As many as 90 passengers onboard a Bangkok-bound Drukair plane from Paro (Bhutan), via Guwahati, had a narrow escape after its nose cone suffered damage when it was caught in a hailstorm during landing at the Lokpriya Gopinath Bordoloi International Airport. 

The plane, however, landed safely around 11.30 AM, airport sources said.

The aircraft (an Airbus A319) was getting ready for the landing when it was caught in the severe hailstorm, causing damage to its nose-cone, they said, adding that the plane has been grounded for inspection.

The Drukair plane was to fly to Bangkok after a stopover in Guwahati, they said, adding that a ferry aircraft was brought in and it took off for its destination at 5.30 PM with the stranded passengers.

Drukair is a Bhutan government-owned airline.