Goa, Aug. 24 -- An Air India flight from Delhi to Patna reported a suspected bird strike while approaching Patna airport on Sunday morning, prompting authorities to activate emergency landing procedures as a precaution. The aircraft landed safely, and subsequent inspection confirmed the bird strike but found no damage to the engine.

Air India flight AI 1741 landed at 7.43am, following which airport authorities deployed fire and allied emergency services. The pilot had reported a suspected bird hit near the aircraft's right turbine during the approach.

After mandatory safety checks, the aircraft was cleared to operate its return service to Delhi. Flight AI 1852, carrying 160 passengers, eventually departed at 10.09am, around 79 minutes l...