Air India cancelled its return journey from Pune to Delhi on Friday after a bird strike was detected following the flight’s safe landing in Pune. The affected aircraft was grounded for technical checks, and the airline is arranging alternate transport, accommodation, and refunds for stranded passengers. The incident disrupted Flight AI2470 scheduled to depart from Pune on June 20.
The incident involved Air India’s Delhi-Pune flight, which successfully landed in Pune before the bird hit was discovered during post-flight inspection. Although the aircraft completed its inbound journey without issue, engineers initiated a detailed examination of the aircraft to ensure safety compliance before any further deployment.
As a result, Flight AI2470—scheduled to operate the return leg from Pune to Delhi—was cancelled. Air India immediately began coordinating support services for the affected passengers, who were left stranded at Pune Airport. The airline cited safety protocols and engineering standards as the reason behind grounding the aircraft indefinitely.
In its statement, Air India confirmed it is providing complimentary rescheduling options and full refunds for passengers who opt out of flying later. The airline also said it is working to make alternative flight arrangements to ensure timely travel for passengers originally scheduled to return to Delhi.
Additionally, the airline has arranged overnight accommodation for passengers facing extended delays due to the cancellation. Efforts are being made to accommodate as many flyers as possible on alternate flights operating from nearby airports or later time slots. This incident highlights how bird strikes continue to pose operational challenges at busy Indian airports.
While no injuries occurred and the flight landed safely, Air India’s prompt response underscores the safety-first approach taken in bird-hit incidents. With technical inspections underway and passengers cared for, the airline is working to minimise disruptions. As air traffic grows, aviation authorities and carriers continue to focus on risk mitigation measures to manage wildlife hazards around airports like Pune and Delhi.
