PATNA: A major aviation disaster was narrowly averted in the capital city of Bihar as a commercial passenger flight experienced a tense moment just ahead of its touchdown at Patna Airport. An Air India aircraft operating a service from Delhi encountered a bird strike moments before its scheduled landing, triggering immediate concern among the people onboard. Despite the sudden jolt, the flight was safely guided down onto the airport tarmac, and all individuals traveling on the aircraft remained completely out of harm's way. Following the incident, airport authorities promptly carried out a thorough inspection of the runway to ensure absolute safety.
A senior official shared details of the episode, stating that the bird strike occurred early Monday morning as the Air India service approached the runway at Patna Airport. The aircraft had originated from New Delhi and was carrying a total of 164 passengers who were eagerly anticipating their arrival. According to the flight schedule, the plane was slated to touch down at Patna Airport at precisely 7:44 am when the unexpected collision with the avian creature took place.
All Passengers Safe as Authorities Inspect Runway
Elaborating on the aftermath, an airport official noted that the pilot of Air India flight AI 1741 suspected a bird strike upon approach. Once the aircraft came to a halt on the ground, engineering and safety teams immediately inspected the runway premises. The official confirmed that the incident caused zero disruption to the overall flight operations at the airport, and every single passenger disembarked safely. Officials also pointed out that bird strikes are not entirely uncommon occurrences, particularly during the rainy season when avian activity in the vicinity tends to surge significantly.
Addressing the preventive measures in place, the official added that a dedicated committee conducts monthly reviews to monitor the movement of birds and stray animals around the perimeter of the airfield. These periodic inspections culminate in comprehensive reports that pinpoint specific zones requiring rigorous sanitation and cleaning measures to minimize wildlife attraction near the flight paths.
Ranchi Flight Delayed by Five Hours Over Medical Oxygen Shortage
In a separate aviation incident that unfolded on Sunday, a flight at Ranchi Airport faced a grueling five-hour delay. The Air India Express service scheduled to travel from Ranchi to Bengaluru was grounded for hours because the airline had to procure replacement oxygen cylinders all the way from New Delhi. An official explained that incoming flight number 1239 of Air India Express had successfully landed at Ranchi from Bengaluru earlier that day.
During that inbound leg of the journey, a passenger experienced acute breathing difficulties and was promptly administered emergency oxygen onboard the aircraft. Fortunately, the traveler's condition stabilized, and upon landing at Ranchi Airport, the individual safely departed for home. However, the subsequent return flight bound for Bengaluru experienced a massive five-hour delay because the airline was required to arrange fresh oxygen cylinders from New Delhi to replenish mandatory onboard medical supplies.
Providing official confirmation, Ranchi Airport Director Vinod Kumar Singh stated that Air India Express flight number IX 1239 touched down at the facility at approximately 8:55 am. Once the replacement oxygen cylinders arrived from Delhi and were safely loaded onto the aircraft, the return flight IX 1239, carrying passengers from Ranchi back to Bengaluru, finally took off at 1:51 pm, running roughly five hours behind schedule.
