Air India flight suffers bird strike at Patna airport; passengers safe

What Happened

An Air India flight from Delhi to Patna encountered a bird strike as it was landing at Patna’s Jay Prakash Narayan Airport. The aircraft, AI 1741, carried 164 passengers and landed safely in the early morning. After landing, engineering checks found no damage to the engine, and the plane was cleared to operate following standard safety procedures. The return sector, AI 1852 with 160 passengers, was delayed by about 79 minutes and departed at 10:09 am.

Why It Matters

Authorities noted rising wildlife activity around Patna airport, which could increase collision risks with aircraft. Officials cited rapid grass growth during monsoon as a factor attracting insects and birds, highlighting ongoing wildlife management challenges at the airport. Measures have been put in place to deter birds and manage runway activity as part of routine safety oversight.

Background

This incident follows another bird strike involving an Air India aircraft at Patna airport earlier in August. On August 17, a Delhi-Patna flight suffered a bird hit and remained grounded for two days while maintenance crews were dispatched from Delhi to perform repairs before clearance by aviation authorities. Officials have also indicated local factors such as nearby meat shops may contribute to bird presence near operational zones.

Key Facts

• Air India flight AI 1741 from Delhi to Patna carried 164 passengers.
• The bird strike occurred during landing at Patna’s Jay Prakash Narayan Airport; the exact time reported as approximately 7:43–7:44 am local time.
• Engine damage was not found; the aircraft was cleared after safety checks.
• Return flight AI 1852 with 160 passengers was delayed by about 79 minutes, departing at 10:09 am.
• This was reported as the second Air India bird strike at Patna airport within a week; a prior incident occurred on August 17 and involved a prolonged grounding of the aircraft for repairs.
• Airport authorities conducted a runway inspection after the landing.
• Measures cited to curb bird activity include bird chasers equipped with firearms and firecrackers; grass growth and nearby meat shops are considered contributing factors to wildlife presence.
• No disruption to overall airport operations was reported in connection with the incident.

What Happens Next

Officials indicated ongoing attention to wildlife management around Patna airport, with containment measures in place and routine inspections continuing as part of safety protocols.