Ranchi: An IndiGo flight made an emergency landing at Ranchi’s Birsa Munda Airport on Monday after colliding mid-air with a vulture, raising a serious safety concern. All 175 passengers and crew members on board were unharmed, according to officials.
The Airbus A320 was operating on the Patna-Ranchi-Kolkata route and was flying at an altitude of around 3,000 to 4,000 feet when it struck the bird. In response, the pilot initiated emergency protocols.
The aircraft remained airborne for nearly 40 minutes after the bird strike, as the crew assessed the situation and prepared for a safe emergency landing.
The pilot managed to land the plane safely at Ranchi airport around 2 p.m., displaying calm and professionalism under pressure.
Passengers reportedly panicked after the collision, but the crew assured them that the situation was under control and that a precautionary landing was being carried out.
Relief swept through the cabin as the aircraft landed safely without incident.
Airport authorities confirmed there were no injuries and praised the pilot for his quick thinking and safe handling of the situation.
“The pilot responded swiftly and professionally. All passengers are safe. Our engineering team is currently inspecting the aircraft to assess the damage,” said an airport official.
The aircraft will not resume operations until a full safety inspection is completed and it receives clearance from the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA).
This incident is not the first of its kind at Ranchi Airport. On May 8, an Air India Express flight from Delhi to Ranchi (IX 116) experienced a technical fault after a pigeon became lodged in one of its wings. Post-landing inspection revealed one dead and one live pigeon stuck in the aircraft’s blades, leading to the flight’s cancellation.
With inputs from IANS