A Kolkata-bound IndiGo flight was forced to make an emergency landing in Nagpur after a suspected bird strike on Tuesday morning, September 2, 2025. The incident, involving IndiGo flight number 6E 812, has once again highlighted the growing concerns around bird strikes near airports and the crucial importance of quick pilot response and aviation safety protocols.

The incident in detail

The flight had taken off from Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar International Airport in Nagpur, heading towards Kolkata with around 160 to 165 passengers on board, along with crew members. Shortly after takeoff, the aircraft is believed to have encountered a bird strike, which may have caused damage to the plane mid-air.

As a precautionary measure, the pilots immediately decided to abort the journey and return to Nagpur airport, ensuring the safety of all passengers. The aircraft made a safe emergency landing, and no injuries were reported.

Confirmation from airport authorities

Abid Ruhi, Senior Airport Director at Nagpur Airport, confirmed the development. He stated that an investigation is underway to determine the exact cause of the incident. While initial observations point to a bird strike, a detailed inspection of the aircraft is being conducted to confirm the extent of the damage.

“There has been a suspected bird strike on IndiGo’s Nagpur-Kolkata flight. We are trying to analyse what has happened,” Ruhi was quoted as saying.

IndiGo’s official statement

IndiGo also released a formal statement regarding the incident. A spokesperson clarified:

“IndiGo flight 6E 812 operating from Nagpur to Kolkata on 02 September 2025 encountered a bird strike soon after take-off. As a precautionary step, pilots decided to turn back, and the flight landed safely at the Nagpur airport. Due to the requirement of necessary inspection and maintenance of the aircraft, the flight has been cancelled for the day.”

The airline emphasized that passenger safety remains its top priority and that standard procedures were followed promptly. Passengers were accommodated and informed about alternate travel arrangements.

Flight cancellation and passenger response

The emergency landing led to the cancellation of the flight, as the aircraft is now undergoing a detailed technical inspection and maintenance check. Passengers, although initially anxious due to the sudden turn of events, expressed relief at the professional handling by the crew and pilots.

Several passengers reportedly praised the airline’s swift communication and emergency handling during the incident.

Rising concern over bird strikes in India

Incidents of bird strikes have been steadily rising across Indian airports, especially those located close to urban settlements, garbage dumping sites, and water bodies that attract birds. According to aviation experts, bird strikes often occur during take-off and landing, as aircraft operate at lower altitudes during these phases.

Bird strikes can cause serious damage to engines, wings, and windshields, making them a major safety hazard in aviation. While most incidents are handled safely, they often result in emergency landings, cancellations, and technical inspections.

Nagpur Airport’s bird strike history

Nagpur airport, like several others in India, has reported occasional bird strike incidents in the past. Authorities have been working to improve wildlife management, garbage control, and airfield surveillance to minimise risks. The latest incident once again draws attention to the need for stronger preventive measures.

Passenger safety and emergency handling

In this particular case, the decision of the pilots to return immediately to Nagpur ensured that passengers remained safe. Aviation safety experts stress that crew training and adherence to standard operating procedures (SOPs) are key to avoiding major accidents during such events.

Emergency protocols include:

• Immediate assessment of engine and cockpit alerts.

• Communication with air traffic control (ATC) for emergency clearance.

• Controlled landing at the nearest suitable airport.

• Passenger briefing to ensure calm during the procedure.

IndiGo’s swift action in this incident demonstrates that aviation safety systems are robust, though the frequency of bird strikes continues to raise alarms.

Broader impact on aviation industry

While this incident ended safely, it does raise broader questions for the aviation industry in India. Growing urbanisation around airports and the lack of strict enforcement of bird hazard management rules are often cited as reasons for recurring bird strikes.

The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has been working with airports to implement stricter guidelines, including:

• Regular airfield inspections.

• Use of bio-acoustic devices and laser deterrents.

• Removal of open garbage dumps near airport perimeters.

• Awareness campaigns for local residents and businesses.

However, the implementation of these measures has often faced challenges due to local governance issues and limited enforcement capacity.

Importance of aircraft maintenance after bird strikes

Even if an aircraft appears structurally intact after a bird strike, aviation regulations mandate a full inspection and maintenance check before it can resume operations. This is to ensure that no internal damage to engines, fuselage, or control systems goes undetected.

In the Nagpur incident, IndiGo confirmed that the aircraft will remain grounded until necessary inspections and repairs are completed. This practice is critical to ensuring long-term passenger safety and avoiding further risks.

Conclusion

The IndiGo emergency landing at Nagpur due to a suspected bird strike is a reminder of both the vulnerabilities and strengths of modern aviation systems. While bird strikes remain a persistent challenge, the timely response by the crew, effective safety protocols, and prompt communication ensured that passengers remained safe and unharmed.

With growing passenger traffic in India and increasing urban activity around airports, the aviation industry and regulatory authorities must strengthen preventive measures against bird strikes.

For now, what remains clear is that passenger safety was prioritised in this incident, and the IndiGo crew’s quick actions prevented a potentially dangerous situation from escalating.

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