Air India Flight Traveling From Colombo To Chennai Experiences Bird Strike During Landing, Passengers Safely Disembark But Return Flight Canceled

Published on October 7, 2025

An Air India flight traveling from Colombo to Chennai experienced a bird strike during its landing on Tuesday, leading to the immediate cancellation of the return flight. While the aircraft landed safely, with all 158 passengers disembarking unharmed, the bird strike prompted a thorough inspection by the airline’s engineering team. The return journey was canceled as a result of the incident, and an alternate aircraft was arranged for the affected passengers, ensuring they were able to depart for Colombo without further delays.

On Tuesday, an Air India flight traveling from Colombo to Chennai was involved in a bird strike as it approached for landing, carrying 158 passengers. Despite the alarming incident, the aircraft landed safely, and all passengers were disembarked without any injuries. However, the bird strike led to the immediate cancellation of the return flight to Colombo.

The bird strike was discovered only after the plane had safely touched down at Chennai International Airport. Following the discovery, the aircraft was immediately grounded for a thorough inspection, in accordance with Air India’s stringent safety protocols. The airline’s engineering team, in collaboration with airport officials, conducted a detailed examination of the aircraft to assess any damage caused by the impact.

As a result of the bird strike and the necessary checks, the return journey for the 137 passengers due to fly back to Colombo was canceled. In response to the disruption, Air India quickly made arrangements for a replacement aircraft to ensure the passengers could be accommodated on another flight. The affected passengers were promptly transferred to the new aircraft and were able to continue their journey without further delays.

This incident highlights the challenges posed by bird strikes, which, while relatively rare, can cause significant disruptions to flight schedules. Air India officials reassured passengers that their safety is always the airline’s top priority and emphasized that the appropriate measures were taken to ensure the aircraft’s safety and operational readiness. All necessary precautions were observed before the aircraft could return to service.

Bird strikes are a recurring issue for the aviation industry, posing potential risks to both aircraft and passenger safety. While modern aircraft are designed to withstand such incidents, each occurrence requires immediate investigation and assessment to ensure the safety of all involved. The airline’s quick response, combined with the expertise of the engineering and airport teams, ensured minimal disruption and a swift resolution for the affected passengers.

In recent years, various airports worldwide have implemented advanced wildlife management systems to reduce the risks of bird strikes. These measures include installing bird deterrents, using radar systems to track bird movements, and employing trained personnel to monitor and manage wildlife in and around airport environments. Despite these efforts, bird strikes remain an unpredictable challenge that requires airlines and airport authorities to stay vigilant and prepared for swift action when incidents occur.

For Air India, this event underscores its commitment to passenger safety and operational excellence. The airline’s swift response in organizing an alternate flight for the affected passengers demonstrated its focus on customer satisfaction and its ability to manage unexpected disruptions efficiently. By ensuring that the impacted travelers were rebooked promptly, Air India minimized the inconvenience and upheld its reputation for reliability.

While bird strikes are rare, they serve as a reminder of the need for continuous vigilance in airport safety and wildlife management. Airlines, along with airport authorities, will continue to refine their practices to minimize the risk and ensure that similar incidents cause as little disruption as possible. In the meantime, passengers are assured that Air India, like all major carriers, adheres to the highest safety standards, with thorough checks and precautions in place to ensure that flights resume safely and on time following such incidents.

The situation on Tuesday further reinforces the importance of adhering to aviation safety protocols, which prioritize the well-being of passengers and the airworthiness of the aircraft. As Air India resumes operations, passengers can trust that the airline is taking every necessary step to ensure the safety and efficiency of its services. The airline continues to monitor the situation closely, with engineers conducting the necessary repairs and checks to return the aircraft to full operational capacity.

An Air India flight from Colombo to Chennai suffered a bird strike during landing on Tuesday, resulting in the cancellation of its return journey. The incident was handled swiftly, with passengers disembarking safely and a replacement aircraft arranged for the return flight.

Air India officials have assured that, moving forward, the aircraft involved in the bird strike will undergo any necessary maintenance to ensure it is in optimal condition for future flights. The airline remains committed to delivering a safe, reliable travel experience for all its passengers.