New Delhi-bound SpiceJet flight delayed by 6 hours after bird strike
The flight which was scheduled to depart from Pune airport at 07.25am but was brought back to the parking bay and after maintenance checks it departed for New Delhi at 2 pm.
A SpiceJet flight, carrying over 180 passengers, from Pune to New Delhi aborted take-off on Tuesday, minutes before being air-borne following a bird strike. Following the incident, the flight was delayed by more than six hours. The flight, scheduled to depart at 0725 hours from Pune airport, was brought back to the parking bay and after thorough maintenance checks, it departed for New Delhi at 1400 hours.
A SpiceJet spokesperson said all passengers and crew members were safe. There were 181 passengers, two infants and six crew members in the plane.
"The take-off of SpiceJet aircraft VT-SZA, scheduled to operate SG 182 between the Pune-Delhi sector, was rejected owing to a bird strike during take-off roll," the spokesperson said in a release.
Generally, take-off roll refers to the process when the plane is moving forward before getting air-borne. After "undergoing a rigorous maintenance check as per the stipulated safety norms", the flight took off in the afternoon.
"We have reported the bird strike details to the relevant authorities. SpiceJet is committed to the safety and well-being of all its passengers and crew," the spokesperson said.