By Bharat Wakhlu

The recent crash of Air India flight 171 in Ahmedabad has created a lot of paranoia in the aviation industry and among air travellers. However there’s another recent incident of an averted aviation crisis that calls for attention and appreciation. The Indo-Pacific Politics is publishing with permission this short article titled ‘Navigating Disruptions: Four Leadership Lessons from Indigo Flight 6E 2142’s Brave Pilots’ by Bharat Wakhlu, the Bharat Wakhlu, the Executive Director of Foundation for Peace and Compassionate Leadership and the former Resident Director of Tata Sons. Currently, as the President of The Wakhlu Advisory, he offers strategic advice and leadership coaching to business leaders.

“Let’s face it – disruptions are no longer exceptions—they’re the new normal.”

Bharat Wakhlu

On May 21, 2025, Indigo Flight 6E 2142 from Delhi to Srinagar—where I’m writing from today amid another rain-laden squall—encountered a severe hailstorm near Pathankot. Despite a relentless battering that damaged the aircraft’s nose cone, the pilots executed a flawless landing.

Zero injuries. Pure heroism.

Their actions provide powerful leadership lessons, particularly for navigating uncertainty in today’s disrupted business landscape. Here are four key takeaways:

1. Agility Over Predictability: The Indigo pilots adapted instantly to shifting weather conditions. Likewise, leaders must embrace agility over rigid forecasts, responding dynamically to market shifts, evolving customer needs, and volatile supply chains.

2. Resilient Decision-Making: Under immense pressure, the flight crew made swift, calculated choices. Business leaders must cultivate crisis management skills—staying calm, centered, and decisive even when navigating the unexpected, and when all the information is unlikely to be available.

3. Collaborative Control: Seamless coordination between the pilots and air traffic control ensured a safe landing. Likewise, leadership thrives on strong cross-functional teamwork, bringing together diverse expertise to drive value creation.

4. Digital Navigation: Advanced systems aboard the aircraft and Srinagar’s ground operations played a crucial role in securing the landing. Leaders must harness technology for strategic advantage, embracing transformative innovations in AI, robotics, communications, and biotechnology.

Let’s face it – disruptions are no longer exceptions—they’re the new normal. Are you and your leadership team prepared for turbulent business skies?