SpiceJet suspends Surat operations, after run-in with a stray animal

Last night a Delhi-bound plane hit a stray buffalo on runway before taking off

Budget passenger carrier SpiceJet Friday said that it has suspended its services to Surat indefinitely, after one of its aircraft had a run-in with a stray animal at the city's airport last night.

"Last night a stray buffalo hit one of our aircraft on take-off roll at Surat airport. The buffalo was essentially invisible against a dark background," a spokesperson for the airline said.

According to the spokesperson, the services from Surat will be suspended indefinitely due to aircraft being grounded and to await results of investigation along with corrective measures that will be taken by the airport.

The Boeing 737-800, flight no SG 622 from Surat to New Delhi was carrying 140 passengers and six crew. All are reported t be safe.

"All passengers and crew were safe, however the aircraft was impacted quite severely and hence was grounded. An alternate aircraft was arranged by SpiceJet for the passengers who departed for New Delhi," the spokesperson addded.