Passengers were shocked to see a plane with a broken nose cone and cracked windscreen.

Thai AirAsia Flight FD552 departed from the Don Mueang International Airport in Bangkok at 2:22 pm on July 17 before encountering severe turbulence during the flight.

Upon landing at the Communist state-owned Chongqing Jiangbei Airport in China at 6:15 pm, ground staff discovered significant damage to the aeroplane.

Footage shows emergency crews inspecting the plane on the tarmac, with the extensive damage clearly visible from a distance.

Alongside the smashed nose cone and cracked windscreen, a noticeable dent was also seen on the fuselage.

Local media reported that the Airbus A320 was struck by hail during its descent, which caused a large hole in the nose cone and cracked the windscreen.

One passenger said: 'It was bumpy when descending, and I was terrified to see the big hole when I got down. I felt like I had saved my life.'

Hail damage during landing or descent can pose serious risks to aircraft. Hailstones can crack or shatter cockpit windows, impairing pilot visibility, and may also damage the nose cone, which typically houses the plane's radar system.

Despite the potential hazards, modern commercial aircraft are designed to withstand harsh weather conditions, and pilots receive extensive training to navigate through storms safely. While passengers may experience turbulence or visible damage, flights generally remain structurally safe.