An IndiGo flight arriving from Patna made an emergency landing at Ranchi, India after colliding with a vulture on 2 June 2025.
IndiGo flight 6E6902, operated by an Airbus A320neo, was conducting an arrival to Ranchi Birsa Munda Airport (IXR).
The flight was a scheduled service from Patna Jay Prakash Narayan Airport (PAT).
IndiGo 6E6902 Patna-Ranchi
As the flight passed below 5000 feet on approach, the aircraft collided with a vulture. Following the bird strike, the approach was discontinued and the aircraft was placed in a holding procedure.
Following a brief period of holding the aircraft was then repositioned for a second approach to runway 31 Birsa Munda Airport.
The aircraft was able to land without further incident approximately 30 minutes after the bird strike.
Flight Details
Available flight data shows that the flight 6E6902 had made a slightly delayed departure out of Patna Jay Prakash Narayan Airport at 1159 local time on 2 June.
Following departure, the flight had set course normally before conducting the southerly service to Ranchi.
Initial descent and approach procedures were similarly conducted normally. The airline confirmed that the bird strike occurred as the aircraft passed through approximately 4000 feet on approach. According to the carrier the aircraft suffered some minor damage to the nose cone assembly, which is currently being assessed.
The aircraft conducting the 6E6902 service from Patna was an Airbus A320neo, registered VT-IZH. This is a 6.6 year old narrow body aircraft belonging to the carrier IndiGo. It has been operational service with the airline since its initial delivery from the factory in November 2018.
The DGCA has issued guidelines for all Indian airports to implement wildlife hazard management plans. These include regular patrols, grass trimming, insecticide spraying, and removing attractants like garbage or water pools.
While Ranchi is not listed among the airports of most concern, larger birds like vultures, and potential attractants near Ranchi airport contribute to the general threat.
