Air India Pune-Delhi Flight Grounded After Bird Hit, Full Refund Offered To Passengers

Air India had to cancel its scheduled Pune–Delhi flight on Friday after the aircraft suffered a bird hit.

The bird hit was noticed after the aircraft landed safely in Pune and was being prepared for the return journey to Delhi.

"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 aircraft has been grounded to carry out extensive checks," Air India said in a statement.

The airline extended its apologies to passengers and also said it is making all arrangements, including providing accommodation for the stranded passengers.

"Refunds on cancellation or complimentary rescheduling are 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," the company said in a statement.

Meanwhile, Air India cancelled eight flights, including four international services, on Friday due to enhanced maintenance and operational reasons, the airline said.

The company said its teams on the ground are making alternative arrangements for the passengers to fly to their respective destinations at the earliest.

The international flights cancelled were AI906 from Dubai to Chennai, AI308 from Delhi to Melbourne, AI309 from Melbourne to Delhi, and AI2204 from Dubai to Hyderabad.

Air India said four domestic flights — AI874 from Pune to Delhi, AI456 from Ahmedabad to Delhi, AI2872 from Hyderabad to Mumbai, and AI571 from Chennai to Mumbai — have also been cancelled.