Air India flight from Colombo to Chennai hit by bird, all 158 passengers safe

In a mid-air scare, an Air India flight from Colombo to Chennai carrying 158 passengers suffered a bird hit on Tuesday. The incident, though alarming, was handled with prompt professionalism by the airline’s crew and airport authorities.

Smooth Landing, Swift Action

According to airport officials, the bird strike was detected after touchdown at the Chennai airport. The aircraft’s landing was smooth, and all passengers were safely disembarked without any disruption or delay in evacuation. The airline immediately initiated safety protocols, grounding the aircraft for a thorough technical inspection.

Engineers Conduct Extensive Checks

Following the detection of the bird hit, Air India engineers carried out extensive checks to assess any possible damage. As a precautionary measure, the airline decided to cancel the return journey of the same aircraft. Officials emphasised that the move was part of Air India’s stringent safety-first policy to ensure passenger well-being and aircraft integrity.

Replacement Aircraft Arranged

To minimise inconvenience, Air India swiftly arranged another aircraft to ferry the 137 passengers scheduled on the return flight to Colombo. The replacement aircraft departed later in the day, restoring operations with minimal delay.

Safety Above All

Incidents of bird strikes, though relatively common in aviation, can pose serious risks if not promptly managed. The swift response by the Air India crew and ground staff ensured a safe outcome, reaffirming the airline’s commitment to passenger safety and operational excellence.