Air India Flight Escapes Major Mishap After Bird Strike in Pune; Return Flight Canceled, Passengers Assisted

Baby Chakraborty, KalimNews, June 21, 2025, Kolkata :  An Air India flight (AI2470) operating from Delhi to Pune encountered a bird strike on Friday, prompting emergency safety procedures and the subsequent cancellation of its return leg to the capital. The incident occurred mid-air, but thanks to the pilot's prompt response and skillful handling, the aircraft landed safely at Pune Airport without any injuries reported among the passengers.

In an official statement, Air India confirmed that the bird strike was detected only after the aircraft had landed in Pune. The airline immediately grounded the aircraft and initiated a detailed engineering inspection to assess potential damage and ensure all safety protocols were met before the aircraft is cleared for service.

Due to the incident, AI2470’s return journey from Pune to Delhi was canceled, causing disruption to travel plans and stranding many passengers at Pune Airport. Acknowledging the inconvenience, Air India announced a series of remedial measures, including hotel accommodation for affected travelers, full refunds for those opting to cancel their trips, and free rescheduling options for passengers wishing to alter their travel dates.

The airline added, “We are arranging alternative flights to help passengers reach Delhi at the earliest. The safety of our passengers and crew is our top priority, and we appreciate everyone’s cooperation and patience.”

Experts in aviation safety have noted that while bird strikes are more common during takeoff and landing, they can also occur mid-flight and pose a serious risk to aircraft engines and critical systems. Timely decision-making and strict adherence to safety protocols are essential, and Air India’s swift response in this case has drawn praise from aviation observers and passengers alike.

This incident serves as a reminder of the dangers bird strikes pose to aviation, underscoring the ongoing need for strict monitoring of flight paths, especially near airports, and for aircraft to be maintained in readiness for emergency situations.

In a separate development, Air India also announced a temporary reduction in international operations as part of a network rationalisation initiative from June 21 to July 15. The airline will suspend three international routes during this period:

• Delhi–Nairobi (4 flights/week)

• Amritsar–London Gatwick (3 flights/week)

• Goa (Mopa)–London Gatwick (3 flights/week)

Additionally, frequencies will be reduced on 18 other international routes, affecting services to destinations in North America, Europe, East Asia, and Australia. Major routes impacted include Delhi–Toronto, Delhi–Vancouver, Delhi–San Francisco, Delhi–Chicago, and Delhi–Washington D.C.

Air India has stated that affected passengers will be fully compensated, with the options of refunds, free rescheduling, or re-accommodation on alternate flights being made available.

These operational adjustments come amid ongoing fleet maintenance, safety reviews, and performance optimisations as the airline continues to modernize and restructure its global network.