IndiGo Flight from Kolkata Suffers Bird Strike Near Hyderabad; What Happened Next?

An IndiGo flight from Kolkata to Hyderabad experienced a bird strike on Monday. The incident occurred near the Rajiv Gandhi International Airport (Shamshabad). The flight carried 118 passengers and crew. The pilot followed all aviation safety procedures. The aircraft landed safely at its destination. Airport authorities were immediately notified of the event.

This incident highlights the constant risk of wildlife strikes. A bird strike happens when a bird collides with an aircraft. This usually occurs at lower altitudes. It often happens during take-off or landing phases.

Key Details and Pilot Response

All 118 people on board are reported safe. The aircraft lands safely following the strike. The plane is now undergoing a bird strike damage assessment. Engineers must inspect the aircraft thoroughly. They check for structural or mechanical damage. The plane will only fly again after full safety clearance.

This is the second such event for the airline recently. An earlier IndiGo flight was hit on November 23. That strike occurred minutes before landing in Dehradun. That plane also landed safely with all 186 passengers aboard.

Understanding Bird Strike Risk

Most bird strikes are minor incidents. However, they are always taken seriously. The risk to jet engines is the biggest concern. Ingesting a large bird can cause engine vibration. It can also lead to power loss or engine shutdown. Other commonly affected areas include the nose cone and windshield. Wings and landing lights can also suffer damage. Modern jet engines are designed to withstand small impacts. Yet, larger birds pose a significant threat.

When a strike occurs, pilots notify air traffic control. They then proceed with a safe landing. Aviation experts advise pilots to continue landing if on final approach. This is often safer than attempting a go-around. This is because damage may not be clear until full power is applied. You can read more about these events in commercial aviation news.

Indian Aviation and Mitigation Efforts

Bird strikes are a growing challenge in India. The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) tracks these events. Indian airports see at least three bird strikes daily. Confirmed strikes reported to the DGCA reached 1,278 in 2024. This shows a twofold increase over six years.

Airports employ various airport bird scaring measures. These include lasers, bird-scaring devices, and trained personnel. The Hyderabad airport is taking advanced steps. It uses DNA barcoding technology to identify bird attractants. This helps authorities manage the habitat better. They can then remove elements that draw birds to the area. This proactive approach is vital for wildlife hazard management.

This incident underscores the importance of safe landing protocol. It also shows the effectiveness of pilot training. Continuous vigilance and advanced mitigation are essential. This is necessary to maintain high safety standards for all Airbus and other aircraft operations.