📷 Image: Wikimedia Commons / Apurba Biswas
National
Bird strike forces emergency landing of Delhi‑Patna flight with 164 passengers
✍️ Bhaskar English
🗓 24 Aug 2026, 09:37 PM
👁 3
A bird collided with an Air India flight from Delhi to Patna, leading to an emergency landing at Patna airport – the second such incident recorded in a week.
An Air India aircraft operating a scheduled service from Delhi to Patna reported a bird strike shortly after take‑off. The impact forced the crew to return and execute an emergency landing at Patna airport, which was carrying 164 passengers and crew members.
Airport officials confirmed that the runway was temporarily closed for inspection and cleaning, but the aircraft landed safely without any injuries reported among passengers or crew.
This incident marks the second bird‑related disruption at Patna's airport within seven days, prompting the civil aviation authority to launch a detailed investigation into wildlife management practices at the facility.
Preliminary statements from the airline indicated that standard emergency protocols were followed and that the flight will undergo a thorough technical check before resuming service.
Authorities have urged pilots to remain vigilant and have advised nearby farms to adopt measures that reduce bird activity around the airfield.
Airport officials confirmed that the runway was temporarily closed for inspection and cleaning, but the aircraft landed safely without any injuries reported among passengers or crew.
This incident marks the second bird‑related disruption at Patna's airport within seven days, prompting the civil aviation authority to launch a detailed investigation into wildlife management practices at the facility.
Preliminary statements from the airline indicated that standard emergency protocols were followed and that the flight will undergo a thorough technical check before resuming service.
Authorities have urged pilots to remain vigilant and have advised nearby farms to adopt measures that reduce bird activity around the airfield.