Delhi-Bound IndiGo Flight Makes Emergency Return to Patna After Bird Strike
An IndiGo flight with approximately 175 passengers on board returned to Patna shortly after takeoff on Wednesday due to a technical snag caused by a bird strike. The Delhi-bound flight, IGO5009, reported vibrations in one engine after the bird hit. A local standby was declared at Jayaprakash Narayan International Airport, and the aircraft landed safely at 9:03 am. All passengers and crew are safe, and the airline is arranging an alternative flight while the aircraft undergoes a thorough inspection.
Unpacked:
Bird strikes are relatively common in India, especially during takeoff and landing near airports located close to water bodies or open fields. Indian airlines, including IndiGo, regularly report such incidents, but most do not result in serious accidents due to established safety protocols and pilot training.
IndiGo has a strong safety record, holding a 6/7 safety rating from AirlineRatings.com. It is the only Indian airline listed among the world’s safest low-cost carriers for 2025. While operational incidents have occurred, IndiGo crews are praised for effective responses, and the airline has had no fatal accidents.
After a bird strike, standard procedure involves returning to the airport if there's any indication of damage or abnormal performance, as in this case. The aircraft undergoes a thorough inspection, especially of the affected engine and airframe, before being cleared for further flight. Passengers are typically transferred to another aircraft.
A bird strike can cause vibrations, damage to engines, or other components, creating a 'technical snag.' Pilots are trained to identify and respond to such events promptly. Returning to the airport and conducting inspections ensures passenger safety, as even minor damage can impact aircraft performance if not addressed.