An Air India Express flight (IX 1067) traveling from New Delhi to Guwahati was diverted to Kolkata on a precautionary basis after the pilot observed a flock of birds on the runway at Lokpriya Gopinath Bordoloi International Airport in Guwahati, Assam. This quick decision ensured the safety of all passengers onboard, with the flight making a smooth landing at Kolkata around 4:10 PM.
According to PG Prageesh, the Corporate Communications and Sustainability Head at Air India Express, the diversion was a routine safety measure and not a cause for concern. In a conversation with India Today NE, Prageesh explained that such incidents are quite common in aviation. He stated, “This is a very normal incident, which keeps happening. There is nothing to worry or panic about.” The pilot had spotted the birds on the runway and, adhering to standard aviation protocols, made the decision to divert the flight to the nearest suitable airport. This precautionary move ensured that the flight could continue safely without risking a potential bird strike, which can pose a serious threat to aircraft during takeoff or landing.
Prageesh further clarified that there was no emergency landing nor any indication of an emergency situation. The diversion was entirely based on the presence of birds on the runway, which could have posed a danger if the flight had continued as planned. He emphasized that the airline’s top priority is always the safety of passengers, and all necessary steps were taken to mitigate any risks.
Once the flight landed safely in Kolkata, passengers were provided with accommodation and support at the airport. They were later re-accommodated on another aircraft to complete their journey to Guwahati. The flight eventually reached its intended destination without any further issues or delays, ensuring minimal inconvenience for the passengers.
The incident underscores the airline’s commitment to ensuring passenger safety by taking appropriate action whenever potential risks, such as the presence of birds on the runway, are identified. Bird strikes, while relatively rare, are a well-known hazard in aviation and can lead to serious consequences. This precautionary diversion highlights the importance of adhering to safety protocols and making timely decisions to prevent any harm to passengers or the aircraft.
In aviation, such routine decisions are made every day to maintain the highest safety standards. The Air India Express flight IX 1067’s diversion to Kolkata is a clear example of how the airline’s crew followed standard operating procedures to ensure that all passengers remained safe throughout the journey, regardless of the slight detour. Passengers who were initially concerned about the change in their flight path can rest assured that it was simply an exercise in caution, and the flight reached Guwahati shortly thereafter without further complications.
