Dhaka: An IndiGo flight en route from Patna to Ranchi was forced to make an emergency landing at Birsa Munda Airport on Monday (June 2) afternoon following a mid-air bird strike.

All 175 passengers and crew members aboard the aircraft are safe, according to a report by news agency.

The incident occurred at approximately 1:14 p.m., around 10 to 12 nautical miles from Ranchi, when the aircraft—an Airbus A320—was flying at an altitude of 3,000 to 4,000 feet.

The flight reportedly struck a vulture, resulting in a visible dent on the aircraft.

Airport Director R.R. Maurya confirmed the bird strike and said airline engineers are currently assessing the damage.

“The aircraft sustained a visible dent due to the impact. Engineers are inspecting the extent of the damage,” Maurya told agency.

Following the strike, the flight remained airborne for nearly 40 minutes as the crew conducted safety checks and prepared for a controlled emergency landing.

Further details about the aircraft’s return to service are awaited pending inspection.

-B