IndiGo Flight Returns to Patna After Bird Strike; All 169 Passengers Safe

An IndiGo flight (6E 5009) bound for Delhi was forced to return to Patna shortly after takeoff on Wednesday morning following a bird strike. The aircraft, carrying 169 passengers, landed safely at Jay Prakash Narayan International Airport.

“All passengers are safe, and the aircraft returned without incident after suffering a bird strike shortly after takeoff,” confirmed Krishna Mohan Nehra, Director of Patna Airport.

The flight had departed at 8:42 AM when it was struck by a bird, prompting an immediate turnaround. The aircraft has since been grounded.

“We are arranging alternative flights for affected passengers,” said an airline official on condition of anonymity.

Bird Hazard Near Airport

The incident has once again spotlighted the persistent bird hazard around Patna Airport, particularly due to slaughterhouses in the Phulwarisharif area. The Airports Authority of India has repeatedly flagged the issue with the Bihar government, warning of the risks posed by increased avian activity near the airport.

Infrastructure Concerns

Patna Airport is considered one of India’s 11 most critical airports due to its short runway and multiple obstructions. In June, Bihar Chief Secretary Amrit Lal Meena wrote to the Union Ministry of Civil Aviation requesting a multidisciplinary central team to assess the airport’s challenges and recommend solutions. However, no response has been received from the Centre so far.

The incident has renewed calls for urgent action to ensure passenger safety and address long-standing infrastructure concerns.