An Indigo flight was forced to abort its takeoff at Lucknow's Chaudhary Charan Singh International Airport on Friday after monkeys were spotted on the runway, airport officials said. The incident occurred around 8:30 AM when the aircraft was preparing for departure to Delhi.
Incident Details
The pilot of Indigo flight 6E-123 noticed the presence of monkeys on the active runway during the takeoff roll and immediately applied brakes, bringing the aircraft to a safe stop. The plane, carrying 180 passengers and six crew members, was taxiing for takeoff when the unusual situation developed.
Airport authorities confirmed that the runway was temporarily closed for inspection and clearance. Animal control teams were deployed to shoo away the monkeys, and the runway was declared safe after a thorough check.
Passenger Safety Priority
An airport spokesperson stated, "The safety of passengers and crew is our top priority. The pilot acted swiftly and professionally to avoid any potential hazard. We regret the inconvenience caused to passengers." The flight eventually departed after a delay of approximately 45 minutes.
This is not the first time wildlife has disrupted operations at Indian airports. Similar incidents have been reported at airports in Delhi, Mumbai, and other cities, prompting authorities to take measures such as installing fences and employing animal deterrents.
Response and Resumption
Following the incident, the airline issued a statement saying, "Indigo confirms that flight 6E-123 from Lucknow to Delhi aborted takeoff due to wildlife on the runway. The aircraft returned to the bay for inspection. All passengers are safe and the flight has since departed."
Passengers reported a tense few moments but praised the crew for their calm handling of the situation. One passenger, Ravi Sharma, said, "We felt a sudden jolt and saw monkeys running near the runway. The pilot handled it very well."
The airport has since resumed normal operations. Authorities are reviewing protocols to prevent such occurrences in the future, including enhanced wildlife management strategies.
