Close Shave for 175 Passengers as IndiGo Flight Makes Emergency Landing in Ranchi Following Bird Strike

In a concerning mid-air incident, approximately 175 passengers on board an IndiGo flight had a narrow escape after the aircraft experienced a bird strike and was forced to execute an emergency landing at Ranchi’s Birsa Munda Airport on Monday afternoon.

Thankfully, all passengers and crew members escaped unharmed, though the aircraft—an Airbus A320—did sustain some damage, airport officials confirmed.

The incident took place around 1:14 PM when the flight, operating on the Patna-to-Ranchi route, encountered a bird strike shortly before its scheduled landing.

According to R.R. Maurya, Director of Birsa Munda Airport, the impact occurred when the aircraft was flying at an estimated altitude of 3,000 to 4,000 feet, approximately 10 to 12 nautical miles from Ranchi airport.

“The aircraft was hit by a vulture, and as a result, suffered a visible dent.

Fortunately, the pilot responded quickly and professionally, ensuring a safe landing at Ranchi airport without any injuries to those on board,” Maurya told PTI.

He further noted that engineers were immediately called in to assess the extent of damage to the aircraft and determine whether it was fit to fly again.

While the bird strike did not result in any immediate harm to the passengers, such incidents are taken extremely seriously in the aviation industry due to the risks they pose to both engines and the aircraft’s structural integrity.

In this case, it was the front section of the aircraft that reportedly sustained the dent.

Following the emergency landing, the affected flight, which had been scheduled to proceed from Ranchi to Kolkata after its arrival from Patna, was grounded pending a full technical inspection.

IndiGo Airlines has not issued any official comment on the incident as of yet.

Another airport official who spoke on condition of anonymity confirmed that the post-landing process was handled with utmost care and all standard operating procedures for emergencies were promptly followed.

Passengers were safely disembarked and assisted by the airport ground staff, while maintenance teams began their inspection of the aircraft.

Bird strikes are a recognized hazard in aviation, especially in areas where urban development intersects with wildlife habitats. They can lead to critical mechanical issues, particularly if the bird is large or gets ingested into an engine.

The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) regularly issues guidelines to minimize such risks through better airport cleanliness, bird control mechanisms, and pilot awareness.

This incident is a stark reminder of the unpredictable challenges faced in aviation and highlights the importance of quick decision-making by pilots and effective emergency protocols.

The prompt action by the flight crew and airport authorities helped prevent what could have escalated into a serious accident.

Passengers expressed relief and gratitude for the safe landing. Some reportedly shared their anxiety on social media, praising the crew for remaining calm and professional throughout the ordeal.

Authorities are expected to conduct a thorough investigation to understand the exact sequence of events and assess whether additional safety measures are required in the region to prevent similar incidents in the future.