Pune: An early morning flight from Delhi to Pune, Air India flight AI‑2470, carrying over 100 passengers, safely landed at Pune Airport at 7:14 AM. Shortly after touchdown, however, ground crew discovered the aircraft had collided with a bird during its descent.
In response to the incident, the airline’s engineering team grounded the aircraft for detailed inspection. As a precautionary measure, the scheduled return flight to Delhi was immediately cancelled. Air India and airport authorities confirmed that no one was injured during the ordeal.
“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,” read an Air India statement.
To ease passenger disruption, the airline offered full refunds or complimentary rebooking options. Additionally, those stranded in Pune were provided accommodation and alternative travel arrangements, reported the Hindustan Times.
Bird strikes—though relatively common near airports—can pose serious safety risks.
This incident coincides with a heightened period of scrutiny and safety protocol reinforcement for Air India. Just over a week ago, on June 12, Air India Flight AI‑171 (Ahmedabad–London) tragically crashed, killing 271 people. In the wake of that disaster, the DGCA has ordered extensive inspections across the Boeing 787 fleet, resulting in dozens of grounded aircraft and multiple flight cancellations nationwide.
