Mangaluru, May 26, 2023 – A Dubai-bound IndiGo flight carrying 160 passengers was diverted to Dubai after it suffered a bird hit during takeoff at Mangaluru International Airport (MIA) earlier today. The incident left passengers, particularly the elderly, stranded at the airport as they awaited alternative arrangements.
The IndiGo flight, numbered 6E 1467 (IXE-DXB), was scheduled to depart for Dubai at 9:10 am. However, at approximately 8:25 am, a bird strike occurred as the aircraft was moving along the runway. Acting promptly, the pilot immediately informed the Air Traffic Control (ATC) and decided to abort the takeoff.
As a precautionary measure, the plane returned to the airport apron, and all 160 passengers were safely deplaned. Subsequently, the aircraft was declared ‘aircraft on the ground’ (AOG) to undergo a thorough engineering inspection, ensuring the safety of the passengers and crew.
In order to minimize the inconvenience caused to the passengers, the airline quickly arranged for another IndiGo aircraft, which had arrived from Bengaluru, to accommodate the stranded passengers. The rescheduled Dubai flight, now numbered 6E5347, eventually departed at 11:05 am, allowing the affected passengers to proceed with their journey.
However, amidst the ordeal, Lokniti Network National Coordinator, Sandeep Shastri, took to Twitter to express his dissatisfaction with the situation. He urged the Union Minister of Civil Aviation and the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) to initiate a thorough investigation into the incident. Shastri highlighted the inconveniences and hardships faced by over 100 domestic passengers, including his in-laws, and criticized the lack of compensation provided to them.
Bird strikes are not uncommon in the aviation industry, and airlines have stringent safety protocols in place to address such incidents promptly. However, it is essential for authorities to investigate any potential lapses to ensure passenger safety and uphold industry standards.
IndiGo, one of India’s leading airlines, has a reputation for its commitment to passenger safety and efficient operations. The airline is expected to cooperate fully with the investigation and take necessary measures to prevent similar incidents in the future.
MIA authorities and the concerned regulatory bodies will likely undertake a comprehensive examination of the incident to determine the cause of the bird strike and assess the airline’s response and passenger care during the episode.
Passengers affected by the incident are encouraged to reach out to the airline’s customer support for further assistance and clarification regarding compensation or reimbursement for the inconvenience caused.
As the investigation unfolds, it is hoped that appropriate measures will be taken to prevent similar incidents in the future, ensuring the safety and convenience of all air travelers.
