Take-off Cancelled as Aircraft Encounters Bird Strike on Runway

Mangaluru, May 26, 2023 – A Dubai-bound Indigo aircraft, which was preparing for take-off on the runway of Mangaluru International Airport (MIA), encountered a bird strike, leading to the cancellation of the flight. The incident occurred on Thursday morning at approximately 8:30 am, causing the pilot to immediately alert the Air Traffic Control (ATC) and abort the take-off.

Mangaluru Airport

Airport sources have reported that a bird struck one of the wings of the aircraft just as it was ready to depart, leading to the cancellation of the take-off. As a safety precaution, the airline promptly deboarded the 160 passengers on board from the flight. The incident caused some anxious moments at the airport, but airport authorities quickly arranged alternate travel arrangements for the passengers.

To ensure the safety of the aircraft and its passengers, the grounded flight is currently undergoing a thorough inspection by technicians. This engineering assessment aims to identify any potential damages resulting from the bird strike and determine the necessary repairs or maintenance required before the aircraft can resume operations.

In an official statement, MIA authorities confirmed that the affected flight, 6E 1467 from Mangaluru to Dubai with a scheduled departure time of 8:25 am, suffered a bird hit as it entered the runway from the taxiway. The pilot immediately notified the ATC and safely returned the aircraft to the apron by 8:30 am. The airline promptly deplaned the passengers, and they also declared the aircraft as “aircraft on the ground” (AOG) to facilitate a comprehensive engineering inspection.

IndiGo Airline Operations

IndiGo, the operating airline, swiftly made alternate travel arrangements for the 165 passengers who had initially been scheduled to fly to Bengaluru on flight 6E 5347, which was slated to depart at 9:10 am. The airline has ensured that the incident did not cause any panic among the passengers, as reported by MIA authorities.

After the necessary inspections and repairs, the rescheduled flight to Dubai finally departed at 11:05 am, allowing the passengers to continue their journey.

Bird strikes pose a significant risk to aircraft during take-off and landing. These incidents can result in damage to critical components of the aircraft, including the engines and wings, which may compromise flight safety. Airports and airlines employ various measures to mitigate the risk of bird strikes, such as bird control programs, habitat management, and implementing radar systems to detect and deter bird activity near runways.

Furthermore, the Mangaluru International Airport and IndiGo promptly responded to the bird strike incident and ensured the safety of the passengers by making alternative arrangements for their travel. As air travel continues to grow, maintaining the highest standards of safety and operational efficiency remains a top priority for the aviation industry.

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