Why Did an IndiGo Flight from Patna to Delhi Make an Emergency Landing in Patna?

Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- Emergency landing
- 169 passengers were safely evacuated.
- The pilot's quick response was crucial.
- IndiGo is providing alternative travel arrangements.
- Concerns about air traffic safety in Patna are growing.
Patna, July 9 (NationPress) An IndiGo flight traveling from Patna to Delhi was forced to execute an emergency landing at the Jai Prakash Narayan International Airport in Bihar's capital shortly after departure on Wednesday due to a bird strike, which created a state of alarm among the 169 individuals on board.
As per airport authorities, the pilot's swift response and situational awareness prevented a potential disaster.
All passengers were successfully evacuated, and the aircraft is currently under technical evaluation.
IndiGo is facilitating alternative flights for the affected passengers.
The aircraft began to tremble shortly after takeoff, leading the pilot to promptly return and land safely.
The flight touched down without incident at 8:52 a.m., with no injuries reported.
The airport director clarified that the windshield issue was unrelated to the bird strike, as such occurrences typically happen during takeoff or landing when birds inhabit lower altitudes.
An official communication from IndiGo is expected, while the DGCA has launched an investigation into the event.
Aviation specialists emphasize the necessity for enhanced management and careful monitoring of air traffic in Patna, a heavily populated area with a significant bird population.
This incident marks not the first emergency landing at Patna airport this year.
On January 22, another IndiGo flight from Lucknow made an emergency landing in Patna due to a technical issue, with 114 passengers and crew on board.
Earlier, on January 3, IndiGo flight 6E 2074, carrying 187 passengers, including Bihar Minister Sanjay Jha and JD(U) MP Sunil Kumar Pintu, also made an emergency landing at Patna.
With a rise in bird strike incidents and technical malfunctions, concerns regarding safety protocols at Patna airport are escalating.
On December 9 of last year, a SpiceJet flight (SG 2950) from Delhi to Shillong had to make an emergency landing at Patna airport due to a technical problem with its windshield. The airport director confirmed that 76 passengers were on board when the issue arose mid-flight.