IndiGo Flight Returns to Nagpur After Bird Strike Incident

On the morning of Tuesday, September 2, 2025, IndiGo’s flight 6E812, operating from Nagpur to Kolkata, faced an unexpected situation shortly after take-off. According to officials, a suspected bird strike occurred, prompting the pilots to return the aircraft to Nagpur Airport as a precautionary measure. The flight, which was carrying approximately 160 to 165 passengers, landed safely, but was subsequently cancelled for the day.

This incident highlights the challenges airlines can face during routine operations and underscores the importance of safety measures that are in place for both passengers and crew.

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What Happened During the Flight

The incident took place shortly after the aircraft took off from Nagpur Airport in Maharashtra. A bird strike, which occurs when a bird collides with an aircraft, was reported by the flight crew. Bird strikes, while uncommon, can pose serious risks to aircraft engines and other critical parts, especially during take-off and landing, when planes are closer to the ground.

Abid Ruhi, the Senior Airport Director at Nagpur Airport, confirmed that the airline and airport authorities are currently analyzing the situation to understand exactly what happened. He emphasized that further details will be shared once the investigation is complete.

Decision to Return the Flight

Following the bird strike, the pilots of flight 6E812 acted cautiously and decided to return to Nagpur Airport. This decision was made to ensure the safety of all passengers and crew on board. Landing back at the origin airport allowed the crew to have the aircraft inspected immediately for any possible damage caused by the collision with the bird.

According to officials, the decision to return was purely a precautionary measure. The flight had between 160 and 165 passengers, all of whom were reported safe during the incident. Safety remains the highest priority for airlines, and such precautionary measures are standard protocol in situations where an aircraft may have encountered damage.

IndiGo’s Statement on the Incident

IndiGo, one of India’s largest airlines, issued a formal statement regarding the incident. The airline confirmed that flight 6E812 from Nagpur to Kolkata “encountered a bird strike soon after take-off.” The statement highlighted that the pilots, following standard safety procedures, decided to return to Nagpur Airport to ensure the aircraft and passengers remained safe.

The airline further clarified that the flight was cancelled for the day due to the requirement for “necessary inspection and maintenance” of the aircraft. This is standard procedure following any reported bird strike, as it is crucial to examine engines, windshields, and other critical components for potential damage that may have occurred during the collision.

IndiGo also reassured passengers that their safety and security are the airline’s top priorities. In addition, the airline provided support for passengers affected by the flight cancellation. This included offering refreshments at the airport, arranging alternative travel options, and providing full refunds for those who chose not to continue their journey on a later flight.

Understanding Bird Strikes

Bird strikes are not unusual in aviation, though they are relatively rare compared to other operational incidents. They typically occur during take-off or landing when aircraft are closer to birds and wildlife around airports. While most bird strikes result in minor damage, they can occasionally affect aircraft engines or other vital systems, which is why airlines treat every incident seriously.

The aviation industry has multiple safety protocols to minimize the risk of bird strikes. Airports often employ bird management programs, which include measures such as habitat modification, bird deterrents, and radar detection to prevent birds from coming near active runways. Pilots are also trained to respond quickly and safely in the event of a bird strike, including returning to the departure airport if necessary.

Passenger Experience

Passengers on flight 6E812 were reported to be safe, though understandably, some experienced anxiety due to the unexpected return. IndiGo’s customer service team acted promptly to minimize inconvenience. Passengers were provided with refreshments while arrangements were made for alternate travel or refunds.

Such incidents, while rare, serve as reminders of the importance of airline safety protocols. By taking precautionary measures, IndiGo ensured that all passengers reached a safe outcome without any harm or injury.

Previous Incidents of Bird Strikes

Bird strikes have occasionally made headlines in India and around the world. For instance, a Delhi-bound IndiGo flight recently returned to Patna after a similar incident. These events highlight the unpredictable nature of wildlife interactions with aviation, particularly at airports located near bird migration paths or wetlands.

In all cases, airlines treat bird strikes with utmost seriousness, prioritizing passenger safety and aircraft integrity over schedule adherence. This approach, while causing temporary inconvenience, prevents potential accidents and ensures safe air travel.

Safety Measures and Protocols

After a bird strike, airlines follow a strict set of safety measures:

1. Immediate Assessment: The flight crew assesses the aircraft’s condition and decides whether to continue the flight or return to the airport.

2. Safe Landing: If there is any risk, the aircraft is returned to the nearest suitable airport for inspection.

3. Inspection and Maintenance: Engineers thoroughly check engines, landing gear, and windshields to ensure no damage occurred.

4. Passenger Assistance: Airlines provide support such as refreshments, alternate arrangements, and refunds if needed.

5. Reporting: The incident is reported to aviation authorities for further investigation and data collection.

These steps are designed to prevent accidents and maintain the highest levels of safety for passengers and crew alike.

The incident involving IndiGo flight 6E812 demonstrates the importance of vigilance and precaution in aviation. While the bird strike was an unexpected event, the airline’s quick response ensured that all passengers remained safe and the aircraft was inspected promptly. Flight cancellations, while inconvenient, are sometimes necessary to uphold safety standards.

IndiGo’s handling of the situation reflects the airline’s commitment to passenger safety, with measures taken to minimize inconvenience and ensure a smooth resolution. The event also serves as a reminder of the unpredictable challenges faced in air travel and the robust protocols in place to manage such occurrences.

Passengers are encouraged to follow airline guidance during such incidents and rest assured that their safety remains the top priority. While the journey may be temporarily delayed, the precautionary steps taken by the airline are essential in protecting lives and maintaining the integrity of air travel operations.

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