An IndiGo Airlines flight made an emergency landing at Varanasi's Lal Bahadur Shastri International Airport on Sunday evening. The incident occurred after the aircraft suffered a bird strike during its journey.
Flight Details and Emergency Response
IndiGo flight 6E-437 was traveling from Gorakhpur to Bengaluru when the bird collision happened. The pilot immediately contacted the airport's air traffic control after the impact. He then guided the aircraft to a safe emergency landing at approximately 7:05 PM.
Passenger Safety and Alternate Arrangements
All 216 passengers onboard were safely deboarded following the emergency landing. IndiGo promptly arranged another flight to transport these passengers to their original destination in Bengaluru. The airline ensured minimal disruption to travel plans despite the unexpected incident.
Aircraft Damage Assessment
Technical inspections revealed the bird strike caused visible damage to the aircraft. Experts identified a dent and a minor crack in the nose section of the plane. As a standard safety precaution, authorities cancelled the flight's onward journey immediately.
Airport Authority Statement
Lal Bahadur Shastri International Airport director Puneet Gupta confirmed the emergency landing details. He stated the Gorakhpur-Bengaluru IndiGo flight made the emergency landing after the bird hit occurred. Repair work on the affected aircraft began promptly at the airport facility.
Safety Protocols and Current Status
Aviation safety protocols were fully implemented throughout the emergency situation. The quick response from both the flight crew and airport authorities ensured no injuries were reported. Repair operations continue as aviation technicians work to restore the aircraft to full serviceability.
