The Airbus A320 aircraft took off from Patna’s Jay Prakash Narayan Airport at 8:41 AM IST. Within minutes of takeoff, the aircraft experienced engine vibrations — a classic sign of a bird strike.
According to a statement by Patna Airport authorities, one dead bird was discovered in pieces on the runway during post-departure inspection. The information was relayed to the cockpit by the Approach Control Unit. Within minutes, the pilot decided to return and requested priority landing.
The flight landed safely at 9:03 AM IST on Runway 7. All 175 passengers, including crew members, were unharmed.
What the Officials Said
“The aircraft landed safely with local standby measures in place,” said the Patna Airport control room in its official release. “The pilot reported engine vibration, and emergency protocols were immediately activated.”
FlightRadar24 data confirmed the sequence, stating that the Airbus A320 (registration VT-IFL) was en route to Delhi’s IGI Airport and was scheduled to arrive by 10:15 AM.
Why Bird Strikes Are a Serious Risk
Bird strikes are one of the most common aviation hazards, especially near low-altitude airspace during takeoffs and landings. According to the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), India reports over 1,500 bird strike incidents annually.
In most cases, bird strikes cause minor damage. However, when they affect the engine, as in this incident, the situation can turn dangerous in seconds. Jet engines are vulnerable to foreign object damage (FOD), and a bird sucked into the engine can lead to catastrophic failure if not handled correctly.
Pilot’s Swift Action Saved the Day
Sources within IndiGo praised the pilot’s calm response. “Emergency protocols were followed to the letter. The aircraft returned before the situation escalated,” said an airline spokesperson. “We are proud of our crew’s professionalism and quick thinking.”
While many passengers initially panicked due to the unusual vibration, the cabin crew assured them promptly. The plane remained stable during descent and touched down safely without further issues.
Passenger Experience: From Panic to Relief
Several passengers took to social media to express relief. “Scary few minutes, but the crew was very reassuring,” tweeted one passenger. Another wrote, “We heard a loud thump. The captain informed us quickly and brought us down safely. Thank you IndiGo!”
What Happens Next?
The aircraft is currently undergoing inspection by IndiGo’s engineering team. The engine that sustained the impact will likely be subjected to detailed scrutiny and testing before the plane is cleared for flight again.
IndiGo has confirmed that all passengers were accommodated on another flight to Delhi later in the day.
Need for Better Wildlife Control Around Airports
Experts have renewed calls for stricter wildlife management around airport zones. “Airports located near urban habitats with open garbage disposal are hotspots for bird activity,” said aviation expert Captain Rajeev Kapoor. “More needs to be done in terms of surveillance and deterrent technologies.”
The Airports Authority of India (AAI) has guidelines for bird hazard management. However, implementation often lags, especially in high-density areas like Patna.
Conclusion: Safety First, Always
This incident is a reminder that air travel safety depends not only on technology but also on quick human judgment. IndiGo’s crew showed commendable courage, and Patna airport staff responded with urgency.
Fortunately, what could have been a tragedy ended with a safe landing — thanks to vigilance, coordination, and adherence to protocol. As bird strike incidents continue to rise in India, this serves as a call for preventive action and investment in airport safety infrastructure.