A Kolkata-bound IndiGo flight returned to Agartala Airport after a bird hit damaged its engine mid-air. Passengers were safe, repair work is ongoing, and authorities confirmed that thorough checks will be done before resuming flight operations.
A Kolkata-bound IndiGo flight was forced to return and make an emergency landing at Maharaja Bir Bikram (MBB) Airport, Agartala, shortly after take-off on Sunday afternoon, following a suspected bird hit incident. The aircraft, which took off from Agartala around 12:40 pm, was carrying passengers to Kolkata when, just 20 minutes into the flight, it was struck by birds, prompting immediate action by the cockpit crew.
According to official sources at MBB Airport, the pilots decided to return to Agartala as a precautionary measure after noticing an unusual vibration and possible engine snag, suspected to be caused by the bird strike. The plane landed safely at around 1:00 pm, averting any potential mishap.
“The flight is currently grounded at the airport. Engineers from IndiGo have already arrived and are carrying out necessary inspection and repair work,” said a senior airport official to Tripura Times.
The official further added that a mandatory test run will be conducted after repairs to assess the aircraft’s flight readiness. “Only after the engineering team and aviation safety officials confirm that the aircraft is airworthy, it will resume passenger services,” the source said.
Passengers Panic but Safe
The sudden return of the aircraft caused a wave of panic among passengers. Several travellers were reportedly alarmed when they felt a jolt mid-air. While the pilot’s prompt decision ensured everyone’s safety, a few passengers expressed frustration over what they described as a “scary experience” and criticized the airline for alleged negligence in maintenance and inspection routines.
A passenger who was on board shared, “The aircraft was climbing smoothly when we suddenly felt a loud thud. Some passengers screamed. After a few minutes, the pilot announced that there was a technical issue and we were returning to Agartala. Thankfully, we landed safely.”
Another traveller remarked that although the landing was smooth, the lack of timely updates initially led to anxiety among passengers.
Airline Response and Passenger Arrangements
When asked about the measures taken for passenger assistance, airport sources clarified that IndiGo’s ground staff had coordinated with affected travellers soon after the flight landed.
“All passengers have been informed about the situation. Their itineraries are being rescheduled. Some of the passengers have already been adjusted to other flights today, while the rest will be accommodated tomorrow,” an official said.
The airline has also reportedly assured passengers that they will not incur additional costs for rescheduling and that refreshments and accommodation, where necessary, will be provided as per airline policy.
IndiGo, one of India’s leading budget carriers, has not yet issued an official public statement regarding the incident, but sources close to the matter confirmed that the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has been notified as per aviation safety protocol.
Bird Strikes: A Common Aviation Hazard
Bird strikes remain one of the most frequent causes of minor in-flight incidents across Indian airports, especially in regions surrounded by open fields and water bodies. Agartala’s MBB Airport, despite improved safety measures, has witnessed a few such cases in recent years.
A senior aviation expert explained, “Bird strikes are an unavoidable hazard, particularly during take-offs and landings. What’s crucial is how the crew handles the situation. In this case, the pilot acted perfectly, ensuring all passengers were safe.”
He added that post-incident inspections are vital to determine the extent of damage, as even minor bird strikes can cause engine imbalance, fan blade damage, or instrument malfunction, posing risks if undetected.
Airport authorities have also indicated that additional bird-scaring measures — including sound deterrents and regular field monitoring — will be reinforced in the coming weeks to minimize recurrence.
While the incident disrupted travel plans for many, the quick response by the flight crew and airport engineers prevented any serious consequences. As of late evening, repair work on the grounded aircraft was still underway, and officials said the flight would only resume operations after thorough safety checks.
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Passengers have been urged to remain cooperative as rescheduling continues. The situation, though unfortunate, once again underscores the importance of aviation safety procedures and emergency preparedness in ensuring passenger well-being.
