Air India Flight Suffers Bird Hit in Pune, Return Journey to Delhi Cancelled – Full Details
Pune, June 20, 2025 – An Air India flight from Delhi to Pune encountered a bird strike upon landing at Pune Airport on Friday morning, leading to the cancellation of its return journey. The airline confirmed that the aircraft, an Airbus A320, landed safely, but the bird hit was detected during post-flight checks, prompting immediate grounding for safety inspections.
Incident Details: Safe Landing, Flight Cancelled
Flight AI-2469, which departed Delhi at 5:31 AM, arrived in Pune at 7:14 AM without any mid-air complications. However, after landing, airline officials identified damage caused by the bird strike, forcing them to cancel the return flight (AI-2470) to Delhi.
In an official statement, Air India said:
“Flight AI2470 scheduled to operate from Pune to Delhi on June 20, 2025, has been cancelled due to a bird-hit detected after the incoming flight landed safely. The aircraft has been grounded for extensive checks.”
Passenger Safety & Compensation Measures
The airline assured that passenger safety remains its top priority and announced compensation measures, including:
- Full refunds for cancelled tickets.
- Complimentary rescheduling for affected travelers.
- Alternative flight arrangements to Delhi.
An Air India spokesperson added:
“We sincerely regret the inconvenience caused by this unforeseen disruption. Every effort is being made to minimize it, including accommodation for passengers where necessary.”
Bird Strikes in Aviation: A Persistent Challenge
Bird strikes, though common, can lead to severe mechanical issues, requiring thorough inspections before an aircraft is deemed airworthy. Fortunately, no injuries were reported in this incident.
This incident comes as Air India continues to recover from the Ahmedabad–London Gatwick Dreamliner crash earlier this year, which claimed 271 lives. Following the tragedy, the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) ordered extensive safety checks across Air India’s fleet, particularly its Boeing 787 Dreamliners.
DGCA’s Ongoing Safety Inspections
- 24 out of 33 Dreamliners inspected so far.
- 66 Dreamliner flights cancelled post-crash.
- Two aircraft grounded (AOG) in Delhi due to maintenance issues.
Conclusion
While bird strikes remain an unavoidable aviation hazard, Air India’s swift response highlights its commitment to passenger safety. The airline’s proactive measures—grounding the aircraft, offering refunds, and arranging alternatives—demonstrate a responsible approach to crisis management.
