SRINAGAR: An Air India Express flight bound for Hyderabad with 103 passengers on board was forced to make an emergency landing at Visakhapatnam after a suspected bird strike caused engine trouble shortly after take-off, reports NDTV.
Flight IX-2658 departed Vizag at 2:38 pm but was diverted within minutes when the pilot reported technical issues. The aircraft safely returned to Visakhapatnam by 3:00 pm, having covered only about 10 nautical miles before turning back.
Airport Director S Raja Reddy, as per Indian Express confirmed that the bird strike is believed to have occurred during the aircraft’s ascent. All passengers disembarked safely, and no injuries were reported.
Air India Express said it had arranged alternative travel for the affected passengers. Meanwhile, aviation authorities have launched an investigation to determine the cause and assess the extent of any engine damage before the aircraft is cleared to fly again.
