Emergency Landing at Ranchi Airport: IndiGo Flight Hit by Bird Shortly After Take-off

Ranchi, June 2 : A potential crisis was averted on Monday morning when a Ranchi-bound IndiGo flight was forced to make an emergency landing after experiencing a bird strike shortly after takeoff. the aircraft, which had departed from an undisclosed origin, returned to the airport as a precautionary measure. All passengers and crew were reported safe, according to officials. the incident occurred just minutes into the flight, prompting the pilot to initiate emergency protocols and communicate with Air Traffic Control (ATC). the aircraft landed safely without further complications, and preliminary checks are underway to assess any damage to the engine or other parts of the plane. Bird Strike Sparks Rapid Response According to airport authorities, the aircraft encountered the bird strike at a relatively low altitude during its initial ascent. While bird strikes are not uncommon in Indian airspace, they are taken seriously due to the potential hazards they pose to flight safety. "Shortly after takeoff, the pilot reported a bird strike. As per standard safety procedures, he requested clearance for an emergency return to the airport. the aircraft landed safely, and all passengers disembarked without incident," said a senior official from the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA). An IndiGo spokesperson confirmed the occurrence in a brief statement: "An IndiGo flight operating on the Ranchi route experienced a bird hit shortly after takeoff. the captain followed necessary safety procedures and returned the aircraft to the airport. Passengers were accommodated on an alternate flight. Safety is our top priority." the exact location of the bird strike on the aircraft—whether on the engine, windshield, or fuselage—has not been disclosed yet, pending further technical inspection. Passengers Laud Pilot’s Calm Response Eyewitness accounts from passengers suggest that the situation was handled with composure by the crew, minimizing panic. Some reported hearing a loud noise from one side of the aircraft shortly before the announcement of the emergency landing was made. "there was a sudden jolt and a noise. Initially, we thought it was turbulence, but the captain soon informed us that there had been a bird strike and that we would be turning back. Everything was handled smoothly, and we landed safely within 15 to 20 minutes," said Preeti Sharma, a passenger on board. Another traveler praised the crew's calm and efficient behavior: "they reassured us constantly and made sure we were comfortable. It was scary for a moment, but their professionalism helped keep things under control." Routine Yet Risky: Bird Strikes in Indian Aviation Bird strikes remain one of the most frequently reported aviation incidents worldwide, especially during takeoff and landing when aircraft are flying at low altitudes. In India, such incidents have seen a slight rise in recent years due to increased urban encroachment around airports and improper waste management that attracts birds. According to data from the DGCA, over 1,700 bird and animal strikes were reported across Indian airports in 2023 alone. While most are minor and do not affect flight safety, a small percentage can lead to engine damage or cockpit visibility issues. A senior aviation analyst explained, "Modern aircraft are designed to withstand minor bird impacts, but when a bird is sucked into the engine or hits a sensitive area like the windshield, it can result in serious consequences. Hence, every bird strike is treated with caution." Operational Disruptions and Safety Checks Following the incident, IndiGo's technical team began a thorough inspection of the aircraft. the extent of damage, if any, will determine how long the plane remains grounded. Meanwhile, passengers were shifted to another flight and continued their journey to Ranchi later in the day. Airport authorities confirmed that runway operations were briefly delayed to allow safe landing and immediate assessment of the aircraft. Flight operations resumed shortly afterward. IndiGo, India's largest carrier by market share, operates hundreds of flights daily across domestic and international routes. While such incidents are rare in terms of serious outcomes, the airline has reiterated its commitment to strict safety protocols and responsive crew training. Preventive Measures Being Reviewed In light of the incident, airport authorities have begun reviewing wildlife hazard management strategies around the area. the Airports Authority of India (AAI) coordinates with local civic bodies to implement bird-control measures, including habitat modification, the use of bird deterrents, and proper waste disposal near airports. "We regularly conduct bird activity surveys and take steps like grass height management, installing scare devices, and clearing garbage. After today’s event, we’ll be intensifying our monitoring efforts in coordination with local environmental authorities," said an AAI official. While the event concluded without injury or damage to life, it underscores the ever-present challenges aviation faces from natural elements—even in the modern age of high-tech aircraft and rigorous safety standards. the quick decision-making by the pilot and efficient handling by the airline staff turned what could have been a serious event into a safe return to the ground. As the DGCA continues its investigation and IndiGo evaluates the aircraft, passengers and authorities alike are breathing a sigh of relief that swift action prevented a more serious outcome.