Passengers scheduled to fly from Pune to Delhi on June 20 were left stranded after Air India was forced to cancel the flight due to a bird strike. The incident, which occurred during the aircraft’s inbound journey from Delhi, was detected only after the plane landed safely in Pune. Though there were no injuries, the aircraft has been grounded for inspection, and the airline has offered full refunds or complimentary rescheduling to affected travelers.
Bird strike detected post-landing, aircraft grounded
In a statement, Air India confirmed that Flight AI2470 from Pune to Delhi was cancelled as a precautionary measure after a bird hit was identified on the arriving aircraft. The airline emphasized that the bird strike was only discovered after the plane had safely landed at Pune Airport. As a result, engineers grounded the aircraft to conduct extensive mechanical checks before it could be cleared for further operations.
Air India assured passengers that safety remains its highest priority and described the disruption as an unforeseen event. The airline issued an apology and stated, “Refunds on cancellation or complimentary rescheduling is also being offered to guests who opt for it. Alternative arrangements are being made to fly the passengers to Delhi.”
Bird strikes, while relatively common in aviation, can cause hidden damage to aircraft systems, making thorough inspections necessary. Fortunately, authorities confirmed there were no injuries to passengers or crew members during the affected flight.
Fallout from recent Air India Dreamliner crash continues
This latest disruption comes at a time when Air India is already grappling with the aftermath of a major aviation tragedy. Earlier this month, an Air India Dreamliner operating the Ahmedabad–London Gatwick route crashed, claiming the lives of 271 people, including over 30 on the ground. The crash has triggered an intensive safety review of Air India’s Boeing 787 fleet.
According to data from the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), since the Dreamliner crash, a total of 66 Boeing 787 flights have been cancelled. On June 12 alone, six of the 50 scheduled Dreamliner-operated flights were grounded. By June 18, 24 out of the 33 Dreamliners in Air India’s fleet had undergone comprehensive safety inspections. Two aircraft remain classified as AOG (Aircraft on Ground) in Delhi due to maintenance-related concerns.
With heightened scrutiny on safety procedures and aircraft performance, the airline is under pressure to maintain strict inspection protocols and ensure that incidents like bird strikes do not compromise passenger safety. Air India’s proactive approach in cancelling the flight and offering support to stranded passengers highlights the growing importance of transparency and precaution in post-crash operations.
