Pune-Bhubaneswar Air India Express Flight Aborts Take-Off After Bird Strike, 140 Passengers Safe

Pune, 7th August 2025: Over 140 passengers on board Air India Express flight IX-1098 from Pune to Bhubaneswar had a narrow escape on Wednesday afternoon after the aircraft aborted take-off due to a suspected bird strike.

The incident occurred shortly after the Airbus A320 began accelerating down the runway at Pune airport. A loud bang and flashes near the right engine startled passengers moments before the pilot executed an emergency stop.

“I was seated in 22D when I saw sparks or flames coming from one of the engines,” said Mohammad Nadeem, a passenger on the flight. “Suddenly, the pilot slammed the brakes, and the aircraft came to a violent halt. The braking was so abrupt that some passengers dropped their phones, and a child nearly fell from a woman’s arms.”

According to Nadeem, the aircraft had been rolling for about 15 to 20 seconds before the take-off attempt was aborted. Pune Airport’s runway spans 2,535 metres, and aviation experts note that aircraft like the Airbus A320 can reach speeds of up to 300 kmph during take-off.

He added that bird control and runway safety at Pune airport falls under the jurisdiction of the Indian Air Force, which manages the facility.
This is not the first time bird activity has disrupted flights at Pune airport. In June, an Air India Express flight from Bhubaneswar had to abort landing due to a dog sighting on the runway. Last month, another Air India aircraft suffered a bird hit on arrival from Delhi.

Describing the aftermath of Wednesday’s aborted take-off, Nadeem said passengers remained in the aircraft for about 10 minutes without information. “Eventually, the pilot addressed us over the intercom, confirming that the aircraft had suffered engine damage due to a bird strike. We were then taken back to the terminal after the plane returned to the bay,” he said.

A video recorded by Nadeem from inside the aircraft captured the pilot explaining that five blades in the right engine had been damaged and that a large bird had struck the aircraft during the take-off roll.

Airport sources confirmed engine damage, and said an alternative aircraft was being arranged for stranded passengers. Nadeem, who had a connecting flight to Delhi, said the airline later rebooked him on a direct flight to Delhi departing from Pune around 1 AM on Thursday.