A SpiceJet flight bound for Leh (Flight SG123) was forced to return to Delhi’s Indira Gandhi International Airport (IGI) shortly after takeoff on Sunday, May 26th, 2024. The cause of the unscheduled landing was a bird strike on one of the aircraft’s engines.

The incident occurred around 10:29 AM, when the SpiceJet Boeing 737 departed Delhi. According to an airline spokesperson, the pilots identified a bird strike on engine number 2 and prioritized a safe return. The flight crew initiated a controlled descent and successfully landed back at Delhi Airport at approximately 11:00 AM.

Thankfully, all 135 passengers onboard disembarked safely following the emergency landing. SpiceJet has assured that the passengers are being well looked after and will be re-accommodated on the next available flight to Leh.

Bird strikes are a known hazard in aviation, although relatively rare. Aircraft manufacturers incorporate preventative measures to minimize the risk and damage caused by bird strikes. Pilots are also trained to handle such situations effectively.

In this instance, the SpiceJet crew’s swift action ensured the safety of all those on board. The airline is likely to conduct a thorough inspection of the aircraft involved before returning it to service.

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