Air India cancels Thiruvananthapuram-Delhi flight following bird hit on inbound journey

Air India was compelled to cancel its scheduled flight from Thiruvananthapuram to Delhi on Sunday, June 22, after its inbound aircraft reported a suspected bird hit upon landing. The affected flight, AI2454, had arrived safely from Delhi to Thiruvananthapuram, but the incident necessitated extensive engineering checks, leading to the cancellation of the return flight, AI2455.

An Air India spokesperson expressed regret for the inconvenience caused to passengers due to this "unforeseen disruption." The airline confirmed that every effort is being made to minimize the impact on travelers, including providing accommodation for stranded passengers. Additionally, those affected are being offered refunds on cancellations or complimentary rescheduling options. Alternative arrangements are also being made to facilitate their travel to Delhi.

This incident comes at a time when Air India is already facing heightened scrutiny following the recent Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner crash in Ahmedabad. The airline has stated that it has voluntarily undertaken enhanced pre-flight safety checks and temporarily reduced some services to uphold its commitment to safe operations and improve schedule stability.

Air India emphasized that while it strives to minimize disruptions, extraneous factors like air traffic congestion, inclement weather, and unforeseen operational issues can still lead to delays or cancellations. The airline reassured that the safety of its passengers and crew remains its top priority, a statement reiterated by CEO and Managing Director Campbell Wilson on June 20, where he affirmed the safety of the airline's fleet after comprehensive checks.