Austrian Airlines flight OE-LBM, operating as Flight OS434, made a dramatic landing in Vienna after severe hail damage to its cockpit windows and nose.

The hail-producing thunderstorm was not visible on radar, prompting the crew to make a distress call.

No passengers were injured, and passengers praised the pilots and crew for their calm response.

Emergency crews met the aircraft on the runway as it could not taxi to the terminal under its own power.

The 23-year-old Airbus A320 will undergo extensive repairs before resuming service.

The incident highlights the dangers of hail strikes on planes and the importance of experienced pilots in handling severe weather situations.

Austrian Airlines, a member of the Lufthansa Group, focuses on assessing damage and ensuring passenger safety following the harrowing landing.

The incident follows a recent turbulence-related fatality on a Singapore Airlines flight.