Patna: Patna airport director Rajendra Singh Lahauria on Friday ruled out bird hit as the reason that forced the Delhi-bound Air India flight to return to Patna on Thursday.

"It was very likely a technical snag that had caused the flight to make a return landing at the airport after it had ventured around 15 nautical miles on the Delhi route," Lahauria said. "The investigation conducted so far by the team of engineers from Air India that came from New Delhi yesterday (Thursday) night has not found any trace of bird hitting the plane. However, we are still waiting for the final report to be submitted by the team."

A total of 122 people were on the Air India flight that faced problems within 15 minutes of taking off from the Jayaprakash Narayan International Airport, forcing it to return. However, it was not an emergency or priority landing. The pilot of the aircraft opted for normal landing as he had requested to return to the airport due to technical reasons. The incident occurred around 2.45pm.

Patna airport has of late become prone to bird hits; two flights, one of Indigo and another of Spicejet, were hit by birds recently while landing.

The number of bird chasers has been increased at Patna airport from 10 to 14. Three LPG operated guns are also positioned near the runway to keep birds away.