Air India Express flight from Vishakhapatnam to Hyderabad makes precautionary landing in Vizag over suspected bird hit
(source : ANI) ( Photo Credit : ani)
An Air India Express flight from Visakhapatnam to Hyderabad had to make a quick return to the airport on Thursday after a suspected bird strike. The plane took off safely but came back as a precaution, and the flight got cancelled while engineers check everything out.
A spokesperson from Air India Express shared, “One of our aircraft hit a bird shortly after takeoff from Visakhapatnam and safely returned to the airport. We’ve cancelled the flight until we confirm it’s ready to fly again. We’re sorry for the hassle and have given passengers options like jumping on our next flight for free that same day or getting a full refund if they cancel.”
Bird strikes are a growing worry for flights in India. Back on July 21, Trinamool Congress MP Derek O’Brien asked the government about injuries and deaths from bird hits at airports over the last five years. Minister of State for Civil Aviation Murlidhar Mohol replied that no one got hurt or died from bird or animal strikes during that time—good news for passenger safety.
But the numbers show bird strikes are on the rise. According to the Ministry of Civil Aviation, India saw 674 confirmed bird strikes in 2020, jumping to 775 in 2021, 1,131 in 2022, 1,371 in 2023, and 1,278 in 2024. So far in 2025 (up to June), there have been 511 incidents. Airlines always put safety first, and these quick checks help avoid any risks.
This isn’t the first time it’s happened with Air India. Just last month, on June 23, an Air India flight from Thiruvananthapuram to Delhi got scrapped after a suspected bird hit on its way in from the capital. Flight AI 2455 was all set to go, but after the incoming AI 2454 landed safely in Thiruvananthapuram with the issue, the team needed extra time for inspections.
An Air India spokesperson said, “We’re sorry about cancelling flight AI 2455 from Thiruvananthapuram to Delhi on June 22, 2025. It was due to thorough engineering checks after a possible bird strike on landing. Passenger safety is our number one priority, so we made sure everything was safe. We’ve arranged alternatives to get folks to Delhi, plus refunds or free rescheduling for those who want it. We’re also providing accommodation where needed to make things easier.”
These bird strike incidents highlight how airlines in India handle unexpected challenges to keep everyone safe. If you’re flying soon, it’s a reminder that safety protocols come first, even if it means a delay.
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