Air India AI2455 Cancelled: Bird Hit Disrupts Thiruvananthapuram to Delhi Route

In a fresh disruption for Indian air travelers, an Air India flight from Thiruvananthapuram to Delhi was cancelled on June 22, 2025, after the aircraft suffered a suspected bird hit on its inbound journey. The incident has once again raised concerns about flight safety, frequent cancellations, and the challenges faced by airlines amid rising air traffic in India.

Here’s a detailed look at what happened, how Air India is responding, and what passengers need to know about cancellations and refunds.

What Happened?

The cancelled flight, Air India Flight AI 2455, was scheduled to operate from Thiruvananthapuram to Delhi on Sunday. However, it was grounded after Air India Flight AI 2454, which was coming from Delhi to Thiruvananthapuram, reported a suspected bird hit during landing at Thiruvananthapuram International Airport.

Confirming the development, an Air India spokesperson said:

“Air India regrets to inform that flight AI2455, from Thiruvananthapuram to Delhi, on 22 June 2025, is cancelled due to extended engineering checks after a suspected bird hit was detected after the aircraft landed safely in Thiruvananthapuram.”While there was no injury to passengers or crew, the aircraft required detailed engineering inspections, forcing the airline to cancel the return flight for safety reasons.

What Is a Bird Hit and Why It Matters

A bird hit refers to a collision between a bird and an aircraft, typically during take-off or landing. While modern airplanes are built to withstand minor bird strikes, serious bird hits can damage engines, wings, or windshields—making thorough inspections mandatory before the aircraft can operate again.

In India, bird strikes are common at airports located near water bodies, open fields, or garbage dumps. Thiruvananthapuram Airport is close to coastal areas, making bird activity in the vicinity a frequent concern for pilots and air traffic controllers.

Air India’s Response: Full Refunds and Rescheduling Options

For the passengers who were stranded due to the cancellation of AI 2455, Air India assured that accommodation arrangements were being made, and full refunds or complimentary rescheduling were being offered.

“The inconvenience caused to our passengers due to this unforeseen disruption is sincerely regretted, and every effort is being made to minimise it, including providing accommodation to passengers,” the airline spokesperson added.

Air India also informed that alternative arrangements were being arranged to help the affected passengers reach Delhi at the earliest possible.

Why More Flights Are Facing Cancellations

While this particular cancellation was due to a suspected bird hit, Air India admitted that several operational disruptions have occurred recently due to various reasons, including:

• Air traffic congestion
• Bad weather conditions in some regions
• Technical issues
• Operational constraints

A company statement added:

“Despite all efforts, due to extraneous factors such as air traffic congestion, inclement weather in some parts of the country, and other unforeseen operational issues, certain flights get delayed or cancelled.”

The airline emphasized that pre-flight safety checks have been enhanced voluntarily in recent weeks to reduce unexpected technical issues.

Air India’s Focus on Safety After AI171 Incident

The latest cancellation comes close on the heels of increased scrutiny on Air India’s operations following the tragic AI171 incident earlier this month. Though unrelated to that incident, the cancellation underscores Air India’s commitment to prioritizing safety over schedule adherence.

On June 20, 2025, Air India CEO Campbell Wilson issued a statement reassuring the public and employees that the airline’s Boeing 787 Dreamliner fleet remains safe to operate after undergoing comprehensive inspections.

“We have voluntarily undertaken enhanced safety checks to uphold our commitment to safe operations. This will improve stability and will minimise last-minute inconvenience to passengers,” Wilson said.

Rising Challenges for Indian Airlines

India’s domestic air travel market is booming, with over 150,000 passengers flying daily across 1,100+ flights operated by Air India and Air India Express combined. However, this rapid growth also brings challenges:

• Infrastructure limitations at busy airports
• Bird-hit risks at regional airports
• Crew and aircraft availability constraints
• Severe monsoon weather in certain parts of India during June-September

Air India has committed to communicating proactively with passengers in case of delays or cancellations, but as the spokesperson noted, “certain challenges lead to last-minute disruptions despite all planning efforts.”

Passenger Rights and Refund Policies

If you’re affected by such cancellations, here’s what you should know:

1. Full Refunds: Passengers have the right to claim a full refund if they choose not to take the alternative flight.
2. Complimentary Rescheduling: For those who still need to reach their destination, Air India provides rescheduling options at no extra cost.
3. Accommodation Assistance: In case of overnight delays, airlines usually offer hotel accommodation to stranded passengers.

Passengers are advised to keep their registered contact details updated with the airline to receive timely notifications about changes in flight schedules.

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