Air India flight from Delhi to Pune could have been subjected to yet another accident: New Update

In another incident highlighting ongoing aviation disruptions, an Air India flight traveling from Delhi to Pune was forced to cancel its return journey after suffering a bird strike on Friday, June 20, 2025. The aircraft, operating as Flight AI2470, was able to land safely in Pune, but the bird strike was discovered only after it had safely touched down. As a precautionary measure, Air India grounded the aircraft to conduct a thorough inspection, and extensive checks were initiated by the airline’s engineering team.

In its official statement, Air India confirmed the cancellation of Flight AI2470’s return journey from Pune to Delhi on June 20 due to the bird strike. “Flight AI2470 scheduled to operate from Pune to Delhi on June 20 has been cancelled due to a bird-hit which was detected after the incoming flight landed safely in Pune,” the airline stated. The cancellation added to the growing list of disruptions Air India has faced recently, intensifying concerns about the airline’s operational stability.

Passenger Assistance and Arrangements

Despite the inconvenience caused to passengers, Air India assured that it was making efforts to minimize the disruption. The airline announced that it was arranging accommodation for passengers who were stranded due to the cancellation. Additionally, passengers affected by the flight disruption were offered refunds or the option to reschedule their flights for free. These arrangements were part of the airline’s commitment to assist passengers and provide alternate travel options, including rebooking them on available flights to Delhi.

The situation was further compounded by the fact that this incident followed the tragic plane crash in Ahmedabad involving an Air India flight. On June 12, a horrific accident involving an Air India aircraft killed 241 people on board, leaving only one survivor, and caused additional fatalities on the ground. The crash put the airline under the microscope, further magnifying scrutiny over its safety and operational protocols.

Recent Technical and Operational Disruptions

The bird strike incident is just the latest in a series of disruptions Air India has faced in recent weeks, including several technical and operational issues. Just one day before the Pune incident, another Air India flight, AI388, traveling from Delhi to Ho Chi Minh City, had to return to Delhi shortly after takeoff on June 19, 2025, due to a technical issue. The airline referred to this as a “precautionary measure,” and the aircraft landed safely without any reported injuries. All 130 passengers were safely disembarked, with the airline emphasizing its commitment to passenger safety.

Earlier, on June 18, Air India flight AI2145, bound for Bali from Delhi, was forced to turn around mid-flight due to a volcanic eruption near Bali Airport. The flight, carrying passengers to the popular Indonesian destination, was diverted back to Delhi for safety reasons. Thankfully, the aircraft landed safely, and all passengers were safely disembarked. The airline cited safety concerns stemming from the volcanic eruption as the cause for the diversion.

These incidents have led to a growing number of operational disruptions for Air India. The airline, which has been under increasing scrutiny since the tragic crash in Ahmedabad, now faces additional concerns about its ability to maintain consistent service. The flight cancellations and diversions over the past week have heightened public concern about the airline’s readiness to handle unforeseen events and its overall reliability.

Operational Adjustments and Plans for Stabilization

In an effort to stabilize its operations and reduce further passenger inconvenience, Air India announced that it would be cutting 38 international flights per week and suspending services on three overseas routes between June 21 and July 15, 2025. This decision follows the tragic June 12 crash and aims to reduce operational strain while stabilizing the airline’s flight schedules. By reducing the number of international flights and focusing on improving existing services, the airline hopes to alleviate some of the pressure caused by the recent disruptions.

In addition to cutting international flight services, Air India also announced plans to reduce its wide-body aircraft operations by 15 percent during this period. These adjustments are expected to provide some relief to the airline’s operational challenges and allow it to focus on ensuring the safety and reliability of its remaining services. The airline’s leadership emphasized that these measures are temporary and part of a broader effort to return to a more stable operational status.

Looking Ahead: Recovery and Stability

As Air India works to recover from the recent disruptions, the airline’s focus remains on improving operational efficiency and ensuring passenger safety. While the recent technical glitches and the bird strike incident have created significant inconvenience for travelers, Air India’s commitment to passenger care and safety remains a priority. The airline has pledged to work closely with its engineering teams to address the root causes of the operational issues and to prevent similar incidents from occurring in the future.

The airline’s decision to cut international flights and suspend some routes is aimed at stabilizing schedules and maintaining its service levels. The move is expected to reduce operational pressure and allow Air India to better manage the demands of its global network. However, the airline will need to continue working hard to regain public trust and confidence, especially in light of the tragic accident in Ahmedabad.

As the aviation industry continues to face challenges globally, Air India’s efforts to adapt and address its operational shortcomings will be key to its recovery. The airline will likely continue to face heightened scrutiny in the coming months, but it is clear that Air India is taking steps to stabilize its operations and ensure the safety and satisfaction of its passengers. The coming weeks will be crucial as the airline works to restore its reputation and avoid further disruptions.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the recent disruptions, including the bird strike incident and other technical issues, have further added to Air India’s challenges, which began with the devastating Ahmedabad crash. The airline’s efforts to stabilize its operations by cutting international flights and focusing on long-term sustainability indicate a clear intention to manage its operational challenges. However, it will take time for the airline to recover fully and regain the trust of its passengers. In the meantime, the airline is offering refunds and accommodation to affected passengers and is working diligently to address the underlying causes of its recent troubles. The next few months will be critical for Air India as it navigates these turbulent times.