Air India flight from Delhi hits bird during Patna landing; all 164 passengers safe

An Air India flight operating from Delhi to Patna was involved in a bird strike while landing at Jay Prakash Narayan International Airport on Monday morning, according to airport officials. The incident occurred at approximately 7:44 a.m. local time, as the aircraft was on its final approach.

The flight, designated AI 1741, was carrying 164 passengers and crew. The pilot reported a suspected bird strike to air traffic control shortly before touchdown. Following the safe landing, the airport authorities conducted a thorough inspection of the runway as a precautionary measure.

“The pilot of Air India flight AI 1741 reported a suspected bird strike. After the plane landed, the authorities carried out a runway inspection,” said an official from the airport. The official further confirmed that there was no disruption to flight operations and that all passengers and crew were safe.

Bird strikes, though rare, are a known hazard in aviation. They occur when a bird collides with an aircraft during flight or landing. In most cases, the aircraft can land safely, and the priority is to ensure the integrity of the aircraft and the runway. Airports in India follow protocols set by the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) to manage wildlife hazards, including regular runway inspections and the use of deterrent measures to keep birds away from flight paths.

The incident on Monday did not result in any injuries or damage to property. The aircraft was cleared for inspection, and no visible damage was reported. Sources said the runway was temporarily checked but no significant debris was found, allowing normal operations to resume quickly.

Air India, the national carrier, has not yet issued a formal statement regarding the incident. However, aviation experts emphasise that bird strikes are often manageable and that crew training and aircraft design are tailored to handle such emergencies effectively. The Civil Aviation Ministry maintains a database of bird strike incidents and encourages airlines to report them for analysis and preventive action.

Passengers on the flight were informed of the incident after deplaning, but most were unaware of the exact nature of the situation until later. One passenger, speaking on condition of anonymity, said the landing felt normal and that they only learned about the bird strike from news reports. The flight's onward schedule was not affected, and all passengers proceeded to their destinations.

This is not the first such incident at Patna airport. In recent years, the airport has seen a rise in bird activity due to its proximity to water bodies and agricultural fields. Airport authorities have been working with local agencies to manage the issue, including clearing garbage from the vicinity and using acoustic devices to disperse birds.

While bird strikes are not uncommon in India, with several reported each year, incidents that cause significant damage or injuries are extremely rare. The quick response by the pilot and the ground staff on Monday reflects the standard safety procedures that are in place across Indian airports.

As of now, there is no official update on the condition of the bird, which is typical for such incidents. The focus remains on ensuring the safety of passengers and maintaining the operational efficiency of the airport.