The operator of the Boeing 737-800, Spicejet, said the animal was “essentially invisible against a black background,” and therefore, impossible for the pilot to see.
No one was hurt, and the plane remained on the ground with damage. Passengers were loaded into another jet and sent on their way to Dehli.
Chief Operating Officer Sanjiv Kapoor called security at Surat airport lax, saying, "a buffalo on the runway" was "simply inexcusable".
The airline released a statement acknowledging “stray animals are a growing menace in some airports.”
The BBC reports the tone changed as the message continued. "This incident has affected our regular operations and hence SpiceJet flights from Surat will now be suspended indefinitely."
The company is India’s fourth largest air carrier.