Air India Flight Makes Emergency Landing in Vizag
An Air India Express flight en route to Hyderabad made an emergency landing at Visakhapatnam airport on Thursday after the crew suspected a bird strike had damaged one of the engines shortly after departure.
The aircraft, operating as Flight IX 2658, had taken off from Vizag around 2:38 PM with 103 passengers onboard. Within minutes, the pilots reported abnormal vibrations from one of the engines and alerted Air Traffic Control. As a precaution, the commander requested permission to return.
Emergency teams were placed on standby, and the aircraft touched down safely at 3:00 PM without incident. All passengers were deboarded and no injuries were reported.
The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has launched an inquiry, while engineers are inspecting the aircraft to confirm whether a bird strike was responsible. The airline confirmed that the flight was cancelled and passengers were offered rebooking options or refunds.
In a statement, Air India Express emphasized that passenger safety remained its top priority, noting that such measures are standard practice when potential engine damage is suspected.
Bird strikes, though often unavoidable, are a persistent challenge for airlines in India and worldwide. Similar incidents highlight the importance of strict maintenance and safety procedures, much like those that govern air ambulance providers and other specialized aviation services.
For travelers, the event is a reminder of how quickly airlines and regulators act to protect passengers. To better understand the operational costs behind precautionary landings and cancellations, you can read our guide on private jet costs. And if you’re curious about how smaller aircraft handle such risks differently, explore our insights on small private jets.
