New Delhi: An Air India flight from Delhi to Pune suffered a bird hit of Friday, forcing the airline to cancel its return journey. Though the flight landed safely in Pune, its return journey to Delhi was cancelled. The bird hit was detected after the flight touched down in Pune, the airline said in a statement.
“Flight AI2470 scheduled to operate from Pune to Delhi on 20 June 2025 has been cancelled due to a bird-hit which was detected after the incoming flight landed safely at Pune,” the airline said in a statement. The aircraft has been grounded and extensive checks are being carried out by the engineering team, the airline said.
The airline has made alternative arrangements to transport passengers to Delhi and also offered full refunds or complimentary rescheduling for those who choose to defer their travel.
Calling the event “unforeseen”, Air India extended its apologies to passengers affected by the disruption, and stressed that “the safety of our passengers and crew remains our top priority.” “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. At Air India, the safety of our passengers and crew remains our top priority,” their statement said.
Earlier today, Air India cancelled seven domestic and international flights citing enhanced maintenance and operational reasons. Affected flights include services between Dubai, Chennai, Delhi, Melbourne, Pune, Ahmedabad, Hyderabad, and Mumbai.
“Air India’s international flights AI906 from Dubai to Chennai; AI308 from Delhi to Melbourne; AI309 from Melbourne to Delhi; AI2204 from Dubai to Hyderabad and domestic flights AI874 from Pune to Delhi; AI456 from Ahmedabad to Delhi; AI-2872 from Hyderabad to Mumbai and AI571 from Chennai to Mumbai have been cancelled due to enhanced maintenance and operational reasons,” the airline said.
The move comes days after the Air India flight from Ahmedabad to London crashed, killing 241 of the 242 people onboard. The plane crashed into a medical college building within seconds of taking off from Ahmedabad airport on June 12.
