A Bengaluru-bound IndiGo flight was cancelled on Monday morning, March 24, 2025, after the aircraft suffered a bird strike at the Thiruvananthapuram International Airport just before takeoff. According to airport officials, the incident occurred while IndiGo flight 6E 6629 was preparing for departure with 179 passengers on board. The aircraft was immediately taken back to the bay for inspection, and the airline ensured that all necessary safety protocols were followed.

Immediate Response and Passenger Safety

Following the incident, airport authorities confirmed that the aircraft was returned to the bay for a detailed safety inspection. IndiGo decided to cancel the flight and arranged alternative travel options for affected passengers. Passenger safety remained the airline’s top priority during the incident.

An IndiGo spokesperson stated that the decision to cancel the flight was made after a thorough technical evaluation of the aircraft to ensure that it was safe for future operations. The spokesperson added that the airline followed all safety protocols mandated by the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA).

Similar Incident Reported in December 2024

This incident brings back memories of a similar event in December 2024, when a Delhi to Shillong SpiceJet flight had to make an emergency landing at Jay Prakash Narayan International Airport in Patna after a bird strike. All passengers on board that flight were safe, and the airline made alternative arrangements to accommodate the affected passengers.

The Patna airport director, Anchal Prakash, had confirmed that the SpiceJet flight was diverted due to a technical issue following the bird strike and that the aircraft landed safely at 8:52 am on December 9, 2024.

How Common Are Bird Strikes?

Bird strikes, also referred to as bird hits, are frequent occurrences in the aviation industry. According to the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO), 90% of bird strikes occur in the vicinity of airports, primarily during takeoff, landing, or while flying at lower altitudes where bird activity is highest. These incidents can lead to serious consequences, depending on the type of aircraft and the nature of the collision.

Globally, more than 250 aircraft have been significantly affected by bird collisions over the years. Since 1988, bird strikes have resulted in 262 fatalities worldwide and caused the destruction of 250 aircraft, making them a persistent concern for aviation safety.

Impact of Bird Strikes on Aircraft

The impact of a bird strike can vary depending on the size of the bird, the speed of the aircraft, and the location of the strike. The most common damage occurs to engines, windshields, and wings. In severe cases, engine failure due to bird ingestion can lead to emergency landings or abortive takeoffs.

For smaller aircraft, bird strikes can be fatal, while larger commercial aircraft have more robust systems to mitigate the damage. However, even for larger jets, an engine failure due to a bird strike can be extremely dangerous.

Recent Global Bird Strike Incidents

1. South Korea, December 2024: A tragic incident in South Korea resulted in the loss of 124 lives when an aircraft suffered a bird strike during descent.

2. New York, USA, 2009: The “Miracle on the Hudson” involved US Airways Flight 1549, which successfully ditched into the Hudson River after a bird strike caused dual engine failure.

Preventive Measures and Safety Protocols

To mitigate the risk of bird strikes, airports implement several preventive measures such as:

• Bird Control Systems: Use of sound devices and visual deterrents to keep birds away from airport runways.

• Wildlife Management Plans: Airports conduct regular assessments to manage bird populations in surrounding areas.

• Aircraft Design Improvements: Modern aircraft engines are designed to withstand bird strikes up to certain limits, reducing the risk of catastrophic failures.

India’s Efforts to Tackle Bird Strikes

In India, the DGCA has introduced multiple guidelines to reduce the risk of bird strikes. These include:

• Ensuring waste management near airports to avoid attracting birds.

• Periodic runway inspections to identify and mitigate bird activity.

• Establishing bird hazard committees at major airports to monitor bird movement and implement control measures.

Importance of Timely Inspections and Safety Protocols

The Bengaluru-bound IndiGo flight incident highlights the importance of rigorous safety checks and immediate response protocols in the event of a bird strike. The decision to cancel the flight rather than risking passenger safety underscores IndiGo’s commitment to maintaining high safety standards.

Conclusion

Bird strikes remain a significant aviation safety concern globally, with their frequency increasing due to growing air traffic and urban expansion around airports. While preventive measures and modern technology have significantly reduced the risks, incidents like the Thiruvananthapuram bird strike emphasize the need for continuous vigilance and strict safety protocols.

With IndiGo taking prompt action and prioritizing passenger safety, this incident serves as a reminder of the ongoing challenges posed by bird strikes and the importance of maintaining high standards of aviation safety.

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