Air India Cancels Pune-Delhi Flight After Bird Strike; Offers Refunds and Alternative Travel Options
Air India was forced to cancel its scheduled Pune-to-Delhi flight on Friday after the incoming aircraft from Delhi suffered a bird strike. The incident was discovered only after the plane landed safely in Pune and was being readied for the return journey.
The airline confirmed, in an official statement, the cancellation of Flight AI2470 on June 20, 2025. “The aircraft has been grounded to carry out extensive checks,” the statement read, emphasizing that safety remains the airline’s top priority.
Calling the disruption “unforeseen,” Air India apologized to affected passengers and said it is offering full refunds or complimentary rescheduling for those choosing to delay their travel. The airline also stated that alternative arrangements are being made to ensure passengers still reach Delhi.
“Refunds or complimentary rescheduling is being offered to guests who opt for it. At Air India, the safety of our passengers and crew remains our top priority,” the airline reiterated.
Bird strikes, while relatively common in aviation, can pose serious mechanical risks and usually require thorough inspections before the aircraft can resume operations. Fortunately, there were no injuries reported, and all passengers on the inbound flight from Delhi disembarked safely.
Ongoing Safety Inspections After Tragic Dreamliner Crash
This latest disruption comes at a time when Air India is still grappling with the aftermath of the recent Ahmedabad–London Gatwick Dreamliner crash, which claimed 271 lives, including more than 30 people on the ground. The tragedy prompted the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) to launch a sweeping safety audit across Air India’s Boeing 787 Dreamliner fleet.
According to DGCA data, 66 Dreamliner flights have been cancelled since the crash. On June 12 alone, six of the airline’s 50 scheduled Dreamliner-operated flights were grounded. As of June 18, 24 of Air India’s 33 Dreamliners had undergone safety inspections, with more checks planned. Two of the jets remain out of service in Delhi due to maintenance issues and are officially listed as Aircraft on Ground (AOG).
Air India says it is cooperating fully with the DGCA and is committed to ensuring the highest standards of safety and reliability across its operations.
