An IndiGo Airlines flight from Agartala to Kolkata encountered a mid-air incident this afternoon after a bird struck one of its engines shortly after takeoff today.

According to sources, IndiGo flight number 6E-9203 took off from Maharaja Bir Bikram Airport at around 12:40 p.m. when a bird hit the aircraft’s left engine soon after departure. Acting swiftly, the pilot took precautionary measures and decided to return to Agartala for an emergency landing.

The aircraft landed safely back at the MBB Airport, and all passengers and crew members on board were reported safe, IndiGo officials confirmed.

Following the incident, the aircraft has been grounded for inspection and maintenance. IndiGo has also initiated a detailed investigation to assess the extent of the damage.

Airport authorities stated that the event did not affect normal operations, and all other scheduled flights are operating on time.