Leh-Bound SpiceJet Flight Returns To Delhi Airport After Bird Hit

A Leh-bound SpiceJet aircraft returned to Delhi after suffering a bird-hit in mid-air, shortly after take-off on Sunday morning.

A Delhi-Leh SpiceJet flight returned back to the Indira Gandhi International (IGI) Airport in Delhi after suffering a bird-hit. As per an official statement issued by the airline, the Leh-bound SpiceJet plane returned to the national capital and landed safely after it suffered a bird hit.

The SpiceJet flight SG123 departed from Delhi airport at 10:29 AM but turned around after suffering a bird hit mid-air and landed safely at around 11 AM, the airline statement said.

“SpiceJet B737 aircraft operating flight SG-123 from Delhi to Leh returned to Delhi after suffering a bird hit on engine 2. The aircraft landed safely in Delhi and passengers deplaned normally,” it said, adding that the return flight, which was scheduled to take off from Leh at 12:20 PM, was also cancelled as a result of the incident.

The airline also said the aircraft made a normal landing and not an emergency landing.

A PTI report citing Delhi airport sources said the Boeing 737 aircraft had around 135 passengers onboard who were safely deplaned.

The aircraft landed back safely in Delhi and passengers were deplaned normally,” they said.

Earlier, they said said that a full emergency was declared at the airport and the aircraft, which took off at around 1030 hours, landed safely at about 11 am. The plane returned due to engine vibrations, the source added.

Meanwhile, reports said that irate passengers irked by the sudden cancellation of their Delhi flight got into a verbal spat with SpiceJet staff at the Leh airport.

(With PTI inputs)