SpiceJet plane collides with buffalo on runway
SpiceJet flights to and from Surat airport have been suspended indefinitely after a bizarre collision between a plane and a buffalo on the runway.
A Delhi-bound Spicejet flight with 146 people on board hit a stray buffalo on the tarmac as it was approaching take-off but no one was injured in the incident.
However the 737-800 aircraft’s left engine was ‘severely damaged’ according to a SpiceJet spokesman and had to be taken out of service.
"A stray buffalo hit one of our aircraft, carrying 140 passengers and six crew, on take-off roll at Surat airport. The buffalo was essentially invisible against a dark background," the spokesman said.
An alternative plane was put in service to fly the passengers to their destination.
The spokesman said stray animals on runways are a ‘growing menace’ and the incident had ‘affected our regular operations and hence SpiceJet flights from Surat will now be suspended indefinitely.’
There have been similar incidents at Indian airports in the past.
In 2009 a Kingfisher Airlines plane struck a stray pig on the runway at Nagpur airport.
TravelMole Editorial Team
Editor for TravelMole North America and Asia pacific regions. Ray is a highly experienced (15+ years) skilled journalist and editor predominantly in travel, hospitality and lifestyle working with a huge number of major market-leading brands. He has also cover in-depth news, interviews and features in general business, finance, tech and geopolitical issues for a select few major news outlets and publishers.
Vegas’s Billion-Dollar Secrets – What They Don’t Want Tourists to Know
Visit Florida’s New CEO Bryan Griffin Shares His Vision for State Tourism with Graham
Chicago’s Tourism Renaissance: Graham Interviews Kristin Reynolds of Choose Chicago
Graham Talks with Cassandra McCauley of MMGY NextFactor About the Latest Industry Research
Destination International’s Andreas Weissenborn: Research, Advocacy, and Destination Impact
Graham and Don Welsh Discuss the Success of Destinations International’s Annual Conference
Graham and CEO Andre Kiwitz on Ventura Travel’s UK Move and Recruitment for the Role
Brett Laiken and Graham Discuss Florida’s Tourism Momentum and Global Appeal
Graham and Elliot Ferguson on Positioning DC as a Cultural and Inclusive Global Destination
Graham Talks to Fraser Last About His England-to-Ireland Trek for Mental Health Awareness
Kathy Nelson Tells Graham About the Honour of Hosting the World Cup and Kansas City’s Future
Graham McKenzie on Sir Richie Richardson’s Dual Passion for Golf and His Homeland, Antigua
ADS PRO 
Airbnb eyes a loyalty program but details remain under wraps
Airlines suspend Madagascar services following unrest and army revolt
Qatar Airways offers flexible payment options for European travellers
Air Mauritius reduces frequencies to Europe and Asia for the holiday season
Major rail disruptions around and in Berlin until early 2026