India, July 9 -- An IndiGo Airlines flight (6E 5009) from Patna to Delhi, carrying 169 passengers, suffered a bird strike immediately after taking off from Jay Prakash Narayan International Airport in Patna on Wednesday morning.

"All passengers are safe, and the aircraft returned safely after suffering a bird strike shortly after takeoff," said Krishna Mohan Nehra, Director of Patna Airport.

The aircraft had taken off from Patna at 8.42 a when it suffered the bird strike and returned immediately thereafter.

"We are making alternate arrangements for the passengers, as the aircraft has been grounded," said an airline official, requesting anonymity.

Slaughterhouses in the Phulwarisharif locality near Patna Airport attract birds. The Airp...