Key Takeaways
• In July 2025, IndiGo Airbus A320 returned safely after bird strike; passengers remained unharmed.
• Ahmedabad airport had 462 bird strikes in five years, with a 35% increase in 2022–23.
• DGCA investigates crashes, urges waste management, grass cutting, and bird deterrents at airports.
A series of recent bird strikes involving IndiGo and Air India flights have put a spotlight on aviation safety in India as of July 2025. These incidents, including a fatal crash and several emergency landings, have raised urgent questions about how airlines, airports, and regulators are handling the growing risk to passengers and crew.
Bird Strikes Disrupt Flights and Spark Safety Concerns
On July 9, 2025, an IndiGo Airbus A320 flying from Patna to Delhi with 175 passengers hit a bird shortly after takeoff. The crew felt strong engine vibrations and quickly decided to return to Patna. The plane landed safely at 09:03 IST, and no one was hurt. IndiGo arranged alternate flights for the passengers, and the aircraft is now being checked for damage.
Just a month earlier, on June 2, another IndiGo A320 flying from Patna to Ranchi struck a vulture at 4,000 feet. The impact dented the aircraft, forcing it to remain grounded in Ranchi for at least nine hours while maintenance teams checked and repaired the damage.
In June 2025, a much more serious event occurred. An Air India plane crashed in Ahmedabad, and investigators are looking at bird strike, engine failure, or flap problems as possible causes. The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) confirmed that the pilots sent a MAYDAY call seconds after takeoff. The plane was seen flying low over a crowded area before crashing. The investigation is ongoing, and it may take up to a year before the final report is released.
Bird Strikes on the Rise: Data Shows a Worrying Trend
The number of bird strikes in India is climbing. As of January 2025, IndiGo reported 1,288 bird strike cases, SpiceJet had 633, and Air India (including Air India Express) reported 389. These numbers make up a large share of all bird strikes in Indian aviation.
Ahmedabad airport, in particular, has become a hotspot. Gujarat has seen 462 bird strike cases in the past five years, with Ahmedabad airport recording the most. In 2022–23, there was a 35% increase in incidents at this airport, showing that the problem is getting worse.
How Airlines and Authorities Are Responding
The DGCA, which oversees aviation safety in India, is investigating the recent incidents, including the Ahmedabad crash. The agency has issued advisories to airports and airlines, telling them to step up their efforts to manage bird hazards. This includes better waste management, regular grass cutting, and using bird deterrents.
IndiGo and Air India have both taken immediate steps to check their planes and work with investigators. IndiGo has been quick to arrange alternate flights for passengers and to inspect planes after any incident. Air India is also following safety protocols and cooperating with the DGCA.
Airport authorities are under pressure to do more. They are expected to improve wildlife management around airports, which means keeping the area clean, cutting grass regularly, and using tools to scare birds away.
Operational and Safety Impacts
Bird strikes are not just a safety risk—they also disrupt airline operations. Flights are delayed, planes have to return to the airport, and sometimes aircraft are grounded for hours or even days for inspection and repairs. This affects passengers, who may face missed connections or long waits, and it creates logistical headaches for airlines.
Pilots are trained to handle bird strikes. If a bird hits the plane, especially the engine, pilots must quickly decide whether to continue the flight or return to the airport. They follow strict emergency procedures to keep everyone safe. While most bird strikes do not cause serious damage, experts warn that if both engines fail because of bird ingestion, the results can be catastrophic. Thankfully, such events are rare.
After a bird strike, maintenance teams inspect the plane for damage. They check the engines, wings, and other parts. If repairs are needed, the plane stays on the ground until it is safe to fly again. This process can take several hours or longer, depending on the damage.
Expert Views: Why Bird Strikes Happen and What Can Be Done
Aviation safety experts say that bird strikes are a constant risk, especially near airports surrounded by open landfills, water bodies, or growing cities. Birds are attracted to food waste, water, and open spaces, which are often found near airports. Experts stress that better coordination is needed between city authorities and airport operators to manage these bird attractants.
Pilots point out that quick thinking and following emergency steps are key to handling bird strikes. Some pilots have raised concerns about distractions in the cockpit, especially during takeoff and landing, which are the most dangerous times for bird strikes.
Regulators like the DGCA and the Ministry of Civil Aviation are reviewing current rules on wildlife hazard management. They are looking at new technologies, such as radar-based bird detection and drone surveillance, to help spot and scare away birds before they become a problem.
What Happens After a Bird Strike? Step-by-Step Procedures
When a bird strike happens, there is a clear set of steps that pilots and airlines follow:
- Immediate Pilot Response:
- Pilots check the aircraft systems and engine performance.
- They talk to Air Traffic Control (ATC) and declare an emergency if needed.
- The plane returns to the airport or diverts to another airport if necessary.
- Post-Landing Actions:
- Maintenance teams inspect the plane for damage to the engines, wings, and other parts.
- Passengers are taken off the plane, and if the aircraft is grounded, the airline arranges alternate travel.
- Regulatory Reporting:
- The incident is reported to the DGCA and other authorities.
- An investigation begins, which includes checking the runway for bird remains and reviewing flight data.
- Aircraft Repair and Clearance:
- Any damaged parts are repaired or replaced.
- The plane is only cleared to fly again after a thorough check.
Background: Why Bird Strikes Are Getting Worse
Bird strikes have always been a problem in Indian aviation, but the situation is getting worse. Rapid urban growth, poor waste management, and the expansion of airports into areas where birds live have all contributed to the increase.
In the past, there have been several serious incidents. For example, in 2009, a plane hit a flock of seagulls at 2,700 feet. The recent 2025 Ahmedabad crash is another reminder of the risks.
Looking Ahead: What Changes Are Coming?
The DGCA’s final report on the Ahmedabad crash is expected by mid-2026. This report may lead to new rules and changes in how airports and airlines handle bird hazards.
Airports are already looking at new technology to help. This includes radar systems that can spot birds, lasers to scare them away, and drones to patrol the area. These tools can help reduce the risk, but they require investment and training.
The Ministry of Civil Aviation is also considering stricter penalties for cities and towns that do not manage waste near airports. New guidelines for wildlife hazard management may be introduced soon.
What This Means for Passengers and Airlines
For passengers, bird strikes can mean delays, missed connections, and sometimes the stress of emergency landings. Airlines face the cost of repairs, lost time, and the challenge of keeping their schedules on track.
IndiGo and Air India, as two of the largest airlines in India, are at the center of this issue. They have both reported hundreds of bird strikes in recent years and are working closely with regulators to improve safety.
According to analysis by VisaVerge.com, the rising number of bird strikes is forcing airlines to invest more in safety checks, training, and new technology. This could lead to higher costs, but it is necessary to protect passengers and crew.
What Can Be Done to Reduce Bird Strikes?
There are several steps that can help reduce the risk of bird strikes:
- Better Waste Management: Cities and towns near airports must keep the area clean and manage garbage properly. Open landfills attract birds, which then fly near airports.
- Regular Grass Cutting: Long grass around runways can attract birds. Airports need to cut grass regularly to make the area less appealing.
- Use of Bird Deterrents: Airports can use tools like loud noises, lights, and even trained birds of prey to scare away other birds.
- New Technology: Radar systems, lasers, and drones can help spot and move birds away from runways.
- Public Awareness: People living near airports should be aware of the risks and avoid activities that attract birds, such as feeding them or leaving food waste outside.
Official Resources for More Information
For those seeking more details or needing to report an incident, the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) provides updates and safety information on its official website. Passengers affected by flight disruptions can contact IndiGo or Air India through their official websites or airport helpdesks for assistance.
Conclusion: A Shared Responsibility
The recent bird strikes involving IndiGo and Air India show that aviation safety is a shared responsibility. Airlines, airports, city authorities, and passengers all have a role to play in reducing risks. While pilots and crews are well-trained to handle emergencies, preventing bird strikes in the first place is the best way to keep everyone safe.
As investigations continue and new policies are considered, it is clear that more needs to be done. With better waste management, new technology, and stronger rules, India can reduce the number of bird strikes and make flying safer for everyone.
Passengers should stay informed, follow airline instructions during emergencies, and support efforts to keep airports and their surroundings clean. Airlines and authorities must continue to invest in safety and work together to solve this growing problem.
The next year will be important as the DGCA releases its findings and new rules may come into effect. Until then, the focus remains on keeping passengers safe and flights running smoothly, even as the skies become busier and the risks more complex.
Learn Today
Bird Strike → Collision between an aircraft and a bird, causing potential damage or risk during flight.
DGCA → Directorate General of Civil Aviation, India’s regulator overseeing aviation safety and compliance.
Mayday Call → An emergency signal sent by pilots when facing life-threatening situations during flight.
Bird Deterrents → Methods used to scare birds away from airports to reduce collision risks.
Engine Ingestion → When birds are drawn into an aircraft engine, possibly causing failure or damage.
This Article in a Nutshell
Bird strikes on IndiGo and Air India planes highlight rising aviation safety risks in India. Airports and airlines are urged to improve waste management and bird control. New technology and regulations are expected. Passengers face delays, but emergency procedures keep most flights safe amid this growing hazard.
— By VisaVerge.com
