IndiGo flight makes emergency landing in Ranchi after bird strike

An IndiGo flight from Patna to Ranchi made an emergency landing at Birsa Munda Airport on Monday after striking a bird mid-air. All 175 passengers and crew members on board are safe, news agency PTI reported.

The incident occurred around 1:14pm, roughly 10 to 12 nautical miles from Ranchi, at an altitude of 3,000 to 4,000 feet. Airport Director R.R. Maurya said the aircraft, an Airbus A320, was hit by a vulture, causing a visible dent. "Engineers are currently inspecting the damage," he told PTI.

After the bird strike, the plane remained airborne for nearly 40 minutes as the crew assessed the damage and prepared for a controlled emergency landing.

Passengers reported panic following the impact, but crew members calmed the cabin and assured them that the situation was under control.

The aircraft landed safely in Ranchi, averting what could have been a serious incident. It was initially scheduled to continue on to Kolkata, but its future operations will depend on a full safety clearance from the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA).

IndiGo has not issued an official statement on the incident. Authorities stressed that no one was injured and emergency protocols were followed effectively.

The aircraft will remain grounded until cleared by maintenance teams and aviation regulators.