Air India Flight Hit by Bird in Pune, Return Journey to Delhi Cancelled

An Air India flight was grounded in Pune after a bird-hit was detected post-landing, prompting cancellation of its return trip to Delhi. While no injuries occurred, the airline launched safety inspections and offered refunds or rebooking. The incident follows recent safety concerns involving Air India’s Dreamliner fleet.

An Air India flight suffered a bird-hit while landing in Pune on Friday, leading to the cancellation of its scheduled return journey to Delhi. The airline confirmed that flight AI2470, which was to depart from Pune to the national capital on June 20, had to be grounded after the bird strike was discovered post-landing.

According to Air India’s official statement, the aircraft landed safely, and no injuries were reported among passengers or crew. The bird-hit was detected during routine post-landing inspections as the plane was being readied for the return trip. The engineering team has since begun comprehensive checks on the aircraft to assess any damage.

Calling the disruption “unforeseen,” Air India apologized to affected travelers and reaffirmed that passenger safety remains their top priority. The airline has offered either full refunds or complimentary rescheduling for passengers who prefer to change their plans. Additionally, efforts are underway to provide alternative flight options to those needing to reach Delhi.

Bird strikes, though common in the aviation industry, often necessitate detailed aircraft inspections to rule out any structural or engine-related concerns. The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) mandates such measures to ensure airworthiness before any further deployment.

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The incident comes at a time when Air India is already under increased scrutiny following the recent crash of its Ahmedabad–London Dreamliner flight, which resulted in 271 fatalities. Since then, DGCA has been conducting strict inspections of the airline’s Boeing 787 fleet. As of June 18, 24 out of 33 Dreamliners had been examined, with further checks underway.

Despite the recent challenges, Air India has reiterated its commitment to maintaining the highest safety standards for all operations.