An IndiGo flight traveling from Patna to Ranchi was forced to make an emergency landing after a bird strike mid-air caused damage to the aircraft. The incident occurred at an altitude of approximately 4,000 feet, when a vulture struck the aircraft’s nose cone.
Flight 6E6902, an Airbus A320, was en route to Ranchi when the collision happened roughly 10 to 12 nautical miles from its destination. Despite the sudden impact, the pilot acted swiftly and managed to land the aircraft safely at Ranchi’s Birsa Munda Airport.
There were 175 passengers and crew members on board at the time of the incident. Airport authorities have confirmed that all individuals were unharmed.
Visuals released after the landing showed visible damage to the aircraft’s radome—the nose section that houses radar equipment. The aircraft has since been grounded for a detailed inspection by IndiGo’s engineering team.
“Our pilots are trained to handle such situations, and the safety of passengers is always our top priority,” said an IndiGo spokesperson. “All necessary protocols were followed, and the passengers were deboarded safely.”
The aircraft was originally scheduled to continue onward to Kolkata after reaching Ranchi. The airline is now working to arrange alternative flights for affected passengers.
Bird strikes, though relatively common, can pose serious risks, especially during critical phases of flight such as takeoff and landing. Airports across India have implemented wildlife management programs to minimize such hazards, but incidents continue to highlight the need for ongoing vigilance.
Authorities at Ranchi Airport said they are reviewing the incident and coordinating with aviation safety teams to assess any additional measures needed to prevent similar occurrences in the future.
