An IndiGo flight from Patna to Ranchi made an emergency landing at Ranchi’s Birsa Munda Airport on Monday after being struck by a bird mid-air, according to an official. All 175 passengers and crew members on board are safe, though the aircraft reportedly sustained damage.
The incident occurred at around 1:14 PM, when the aircraft—an Airbus A320—was approximately 10 to 12 nautical miles away from the airport and flying at an altitude of 3,000 to 4,000 feet.
“An IndiGo flight suffered a bird hit near Ranchi. It was approximately 10 to 12 nautical miles away from here at an altitude of 3,000 to 4,000 feet when the incident occurred. The IndiGo flight was coming from Patna to Ranchi, and the pilot had to make an emergency landing here,” said R R Maurya, Director, Birsa Munda Airport, Ranchi, speaking to PTI.
The aircraft, he said, suffered a dent after being hit by a vulture, but no injuries were reported. “The aircraft suffered a dent after being hit by a vulture. Engineers are assessing the damage,” Maurya added.
While no official comment was made by IndiGo, sources at the airport confirmed that the flight was scheduled for a subsequent departure to Kolkata.
The incident underscores the importance of enhanced bird hazard management protocols around airports, especially those located near urban and forested areas.
(With inputs from PTI)