IndiGo Flight Diverts to Varanasi After Bird Strike Damages Aircraft Nose

January 13, 2026 at 12:51 PM•2 min read

IndiGo safely landed a Bengaluru-bound flight with 216 passengers in Varanasi following a damaging bird strike, triggering an immediate safety investigation.

Key Points

1IndiGo flight 6E-437, carrying 216 people, made a safe emergency landing in Varanasi on Sunday night.
2The incident was caused by a bird strike shortly after takeoff, resulting in damage to the aircraft's nose section.
3The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) will investigate the event as bird strikes exceeded 1,200 incidents in Indian aviation in 2024.
4The successful landing highlights the importance of crew training and robust emergency protocols.

A Bengaluru-bound IndiGo flight was forced to make an emergency landing in Varanasi on Sunday night. The IndiGo emergency landing occurred after the aircraft suffered a Varanasi bird strike shortly after takeoff. Flight 6E-437 incident, which originated in Gorakhpur, was carrying 216 passengers and crew. All individuals on board were evacuated safely without reported injuries.

Incident Details and Crew Response

The aircraft sustained damage to its front portion, specifically the nose section. This damage was a direct result of the bird impact. The flight crew quickly notified Air Traffic Control (ATC) at Lal Bahadur Shastri International Airport in Varanasi. They then executed a precautionary emergency landing at the airport.

Airport Director Puneet Gupta confirmed the safe passenger safety evacuation. The crew’s swift and professional action ensured a safe outcome for the flight. Following the aviation operational disruption, IndiGo arranged alternative travel. Some passengers were flown to Bengaluru on Monday.

Regulatory Oversight and Safety Concerns

The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) is expected to review the flight 6E-437 incident. This review is a standard procedure for all bird strike events. The aircraft is currently undergoing aircraft damage assessment and technical inspections. It will remain grounded until cleared to resume service.

Bird strikes remain a significant threat to commercial aviation safety globally. In India, wildlife strikes are a growing concern for the industry. DGCA data shows over 1,100 incidents were reported in both 2022 and 2023. Furthermore, 1,278 confirmed bird strikes were reported to the DGCA in 2024. These events most often occur during take-off, early ascent, and landing phases.

Mitigation and Industry Impact

Airport operators must implement strict wildlife hazard management programs. The DGCA has issued guidelines to mitigate these risks. These measures include habitat management and performing risk assessments. They also mandate routine patrols in random patterns. This prevents wildlife from becoming accustomed to patrol schedules. Rules also prohibit garbage dumping near airports. This is because waste attracts birds and other animals.

This latest Varanasi bird strike highlights the ongoing challenge for airports and airlines. Effective bird strike mitigation strategies are critical for reducing operational delays. They are also vital for maintaining public confidence in air travel. The FAA and other global regulators emphasize the need for vigilance. Continuous monitoring and proactive measures are necessary. For more aviation news and updates on operational safety, visit flying.flights.