Nagpur — September 2, 2025
An IndiGo Kolkata flight was cancelled today after a bird strike shortly after takeoff forced the aircraft to turn back, landing safely at Nagpur Airport. All 160–165 passengers onboard were unharmed, and the airline arranged alternate travel or refunds. The aircraft will remain grounded pending inspection.
Incident and Immediate Response
Flight 6E-812, operating on the IndiGo Kolkata flight route, took off from Nagpur at approximately 7 am. Minutes into flight, the aircraft encountered a bird collision, prompting pilots to execute a precautionary return to Nagpur Airport.
IndiGo confirmed the safety of all passengers and stated that due to required maintenance and inspection, the airline cancelled the flight for the day. Affected passengers were offered refreshments, rebooking, or full refunds.
Aviation Safety and Bird Strikes
Bird strikes are a recognized global hazard—especially during takeoff and landing phases. Airports located near wetlands or wildlife zones, such as Nagpur, are particularly vulnerable.
The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) mandates thorough inspections of any aircraft involved in bird strikes before they can return to service. IndiGo complied with these protocols by grounding the plane for safety assessments.
Passenger Impact and Airline Handling
Despite the disruption, passengers expressed relief at the controlled landing. Key political figures among the passengers praised the pilot’s swift decision-making and calm execution.
The disruption underscores IndiGo’s adherence to safety protocols and effective contingency management—prioritizing lives over schedules.
Broader Implications and Safety Measures
Repeated bird-strike events raise concerns about airport safety infrastructure and wildlife deterrence efforts. Effective long-term strategies—habitat management, tracking bird activity, and runway monitoring—are necessary to mitigate future risks.
This incident follows another recent disruption involving a flight diverted due to technical issues—a reminder of aviation vulnerabilities.
FAQs
A: The flight was cancelled after a bird strike caused damage shortly after takeoff. Pilots returned safely to Nagpur, and the aircraft was grounded for inspection and maintenance.
A: No. All 160–165 passengers were safe. The airline handled the situation calmly and arranged alternative flights or full refunds.
A: The aircraft remains grounded for mandatory DGCA inspection and maintenance. Passengers were offered rebooking, refunds, or refreshments during the delay.
Sources:
Live mint
India Express
TOI
