Air India Flight Returns to Chennai After Bird Hit
An Air India flight from Colombo to Chennai with 158 passengers onboard suffered a bird hit shortly before landing on Tuesday, forcing the airline to cancel its return leg. Airport officials confirmed that the aircraft landed safely and all passengers disembarked without injuries. The incident occurred as the plane touched down at Chennai International Airport, prompting immediate technical inspections by Air India engineers.
Aircraft Grounded for Safety Inspection
Following the detection of the bird strike, the Air India aircraft was grounded for thorough checks. Engineers conducted extensive inspections to assess possible damage, leading to the cancellation of its scheduled return journey to Colombo. To minimize inconvenience, Air India arranged an alternative aircraft, which carried 137 passengers back to Colombo later the same day, ensuring flight operations continued smoothly despite the disruption.
Airline Ensures Passenger Safety and Smooth Operations
Air India officials emphasized that passenger safety remained the top priority. All 158 passengers were safely evacuated after landing, and no one was injured. The airline’s quick response and coordination with Chennai airport authorities ensured a swift turnaround of the situation. Engineers completed safety assessments before clearing replacement aircraft, while maintenance teams continued evaluating the grounded plane for possible repair or component replacement.
DGCA Monitors Similar Air India Incidents
The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) is closely monitoring bird hit incidents across Indian airports. The Chennai episode came just days after an Air India Boeing 787 Dreamliner on the Amritsar–Birmingham route triggered a mid-air scare when its Ram Air Turbine (RAT) — an emergency backup power source — deployed unexpectedly. The DGCA later confirmed that the aircraft landed safely without any technical malfunction.
Boeing Conducts Maintenance Checks on 787 Dreamliner
Following the uncommanded RAT deployment, Boeing engineers recommended immediate maintenance actions. According to DGCA officials, the checks revealed no discrepancies, and the Dreamliner was cleared for service. The aviation watchdog reiterated that passenger safety protocols were strictly followed. The Air India bird hit incident in Chennai further highlights the growing emphasis on aircraft safety and maintenance amid rising air traffic across India.
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