An IndiGo flight bound for Mumbai was delayed on Friday evening after a bird struck the aircraft shortly before takeoff, prompting precautionary safety checks.
According to reports, IndiGo flight 6E-6283, operated by an Airbus A321neo, was scheduled to depart from Bengaluru at 7:04 pm when the incident occurred during takeoff preparations.
Aircraft returned for inspection
Following the bird strike, the pilot decided to return the aircraft to the bay to allow engineers to conduct a detailed inspection.
Technical teams examined both engines and carried out safety checks on other critical components of the aircraft to ensure there was no damage that could affect flight operations.
The inspection process reportedly lasted for more than an hour.
Flight cleared for departure
After completing the checks, engineers confirmed that the aircraft was safe to operate.
The flight was subsequently cleared for departure and took off for Mumbai at approximately 8:46 pm.
The airline has not disclosed the number of passengers on board at the time of the incident.
What is a bird strike?
A bird strike occurs when a bird collides with an aircraft during takeoff, landing or flight. Such incidents are more common near airports, where bird activity tends to be higher.
Bird strikes can damage parts of an aircraft, including the nose section, windshield and engines. In some cases, birds may be ingested into jet engines, potentially causing mechanical issues and requiring emergency procedures.
Aviation authorities and airlines regularly implement bird hazard management measures around airports to minimise such risks and ensure passenger safety.