An IndiGo Airlines flight traveling from Gorakhpur to Bengaluru was forced to make an emergency landing at Varanasi’s Lal Bahadur Shastri International Airport after suffering a bird strike mid-air. The incident occurred late Sunday night and led to a swift response from the flight crew, ensuring the safety of all 216 passengers on board.
The aircraft, operating as flight 6E 437, experienced damage to its front section after a bird collided with the plane during its journey. Soon after the impact, the pilot assessed the situation and immediately contacted Varanasi Air Traffic Control to request an emergency landing. Given the potential safety risks, the decision was taken to divert the aircraft to Varanasi rather than continue toward Bengaluru.
The plane landed safely at the Varanasi airport, where emergency teams were already on standby. Airport officials confirmed that all passengers were evacuated in an orderly and secure manner. No injuries were reported, and the situation was handled calmly despite the tense moments following the incident.
Varanasi Airport Director Puneet Gupta stated that the safety of passengers remained the top priority throughout the operation. He confirmed that all 216 people on board were safe and that technical teams inspected the aircraft after landing to evaluate the damage caused by the bird strike.
Following the emergency landing, IndiGo Airlines made arrangements to ensure passengers could reach their destination. Some travelers were able to continue their journey to Bengaluru on Monday, while others were accommodated on alternative flights depending on seat availability. The airline and airport authorities also provided necessary assistance to stranded passengers during the wait.
Bird strikes are considered a serious aviation hazard, especially when they affect critical parts of an aircraft. However, aviation experts say that quick decision-making by the pilot and adherence to safety procedures played a crucial role in preventing a potentially dangerous situation from turning into a major emergency.
The incident once again highlights the importance of strict aviation safety protocols and the professionalism of flight crews who are trained to handle such unexpected situations. Thanks to their prompt action, what could have been a frightening experience ended with all passengers safe and accounted for.