Sky Drama: IndiGo Flight Makes Emergency Return to Nagpur After Suspected Bird Strike

In a heart-stopping moment for passengers, an IndiGo flight (6E 6724) bound for Kolkata from Nagpur was forced to execute an emergency return to Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar International Airport (Nagpur) on Monday evening. The aircraft, an Airbus A320, had only recently taken off when its pilots reported a suspected bird strike, prompting an immediate decision to turn back for safety assessment.

The incident occurred around 4:30 PM on March 18, 2024.

Shortly after departing the Nagpur runway, the flight crew noticed indications of a possible bird hit, a phenomenon that can pose significant risks to aircraft engines and airframe integrity. Prioritizing passenger and crew safety above all, the highly trained pilots initiated the standard emergency protocols, preparing for an immediate return and landing.

Despite the sudden and alarming nature of the situation, the flight made a safe and controlled landing back at Nagpur airport.

Passengers, initially experiencing anxiety and confusion, expressed immense relief upon touching down. While no injuries were reported among the 180 passengers and crew, the experience undoubtedly left an indelible mark.

Following the safe landing, the affected aircraft was taken out of service for a thorough inspection by ground engineers to ascertain the extent of any damage caused by the suspected bird hit.

IndiGo promptly arranged an alternative aircraft to minimize disruption, ensuring that passengers could continue their journey to Kolkata later the same evening. The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) was duly informed of the incident, as is standard procedure for such occurrences, which will likely lead to a detailed investigation to understand the specifics of the event and review safety measures.