IndiGo flight makes emergency landing in Patna after bird strike

Srinagar, July 9: An IndiGo flight bound for Delhi was forced to make an emergency landing in Patna after a bird strike caused a technical issue in one of the aircraft’s engines, officials told PTI.

The flight, which had 175 passengers on board, returned to Patna shortly after takeoff when the bird hit resulted in an engine malfunction.

According to News18 Bihar, all passengers were unharmed and the emergency landing was executed safely. The news channel also noted that Patna airport is considered one of the more challenging airports in India due to its short runway and an increased risk of bird strike.

Slaughterhouses in the Phulwarisharif locality near Patna Airport attract birds. The Airports Authority of India has regularly flagged the problem of avian activity near the airport to the state government due to the presence of the abattoirs.

Patna Airport is among the 11 most critical airports in India due to multiple obstructions and its short runway.