Incident Summary: Emergency Landing Following Bird Strike
On July 9, 2025, an alarming incident occurred when an IndiGo A320 (flight 6E 5009) heading to Delhi was rerouted for an emergency landing at Jayaprakash Narayan International Airport in Patna. The plane, which had taken off from Patna with 175 passengers on board at 8:42 am, experienced a bird strike, which resulted in internal engine vibrations as well as some technical issues. The pilot handled the situation well, managing to declare an emergency and return to Patna by 9:03 am. As confirmed by the authorities, all travelers and crew onboard were unharmed and received emergency services without any injuries.
Patna comes across as one of the most difficult sectional flying areas in India. This is due to restrictions like a short runway, various slaughterhouses nearby, and Phulwarisharif localities. During takeoff and landing, birds are highly likely to cross, thus there is an increased risk during these phases of flight due to bird strikes. Out of 11 identified critical airports in India, Patna remains one of the most crucial. There are constant requests made by local authorities for the central government to look into initiating some sort of long-term measures.
Immediate Actions Taken and Ensuring Passenger Safety
In response to the bird strike incident, the crew of IndiGo managed to follow the safety checklist by communicating with air traffic control and going to a local standby at the airport. Emergency services were activated, and the plane underwent an inspection after it landed. Since the aircraft was put under a ‘technical check,’ alternate arrangements for the passengers were made. IndiGo officials provided assurance to the travelers that their safety was being looked after and that all 175 passengers were safe and sound.
Continued Difficulties with Bird Strikes for the Indian Aviation Sector
This is part of a larger problem, as a number of bird strikes have recently been reported across various areas of India. Just a few days prior, an IndiGo flight from Patna to Ranchi had to make an emergency landing because a vulture struck it from 3,000–4,000 feet in the air. Ongoing concerns of bird strikes continue to threaten flight activities and increase the dangers for aviation authorities who might need to impose stricter regulations along with precautionary tactics at high-risk airports.
Regulatory and Preventive Measures: The Way Forward
According to aviation specialists and authorities, there is a need for improved monitoring, stricter enforcement of regulations, enhanced waste disposal systems around airports, and enforcement of safeguards that minimize bird attractants. To address these concerns, the Bihar government has made interdisciplinary requests for relocation of slaughterhouses and urban design revision around Patna airport. IndiGo and some other airlines are also revising their emergency protocols for better response.
