A scheduled Air India flight from Mumbai to Bangkok was delayed on Saturday morning after ground engineers discovered a bird’s nest inside the wing of the aircraft during a pre-departure inspection at Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport.
Flight number AI330 was preparing for takeoff when airline staff noticed nesting material lodged near the wing section of the aircraft. The aircraft was immediately grounded, and all further preparations were suspended until a thorough inspection could be carried out.
An official from Air India confirmed the incident, stating that safety procedures were promptly followed. “As soon as our team identified the bird nest, the aircraft was removed from service to ensure full compliance with safety standards,” the official said.
Passengers, who were in the process of boarding, were informed of the delay and directed back to the terminal. An alternate aircraft was arranged, and the flight eventually took off after a delay of nearly three hours. Travelers were provided with light refreshments during the wait, and assistance was given to those who had onward connections from Bangkok.
While bird-related incidents at airports are not uncommon, the discovery of nests within an aircraft is relatively rare. Experts believe such occurrences usually happen when planes are idle on the ground for long durations, especially in open areas where bird activity is high.
Capt. Ravi Kulkarni, a senior aviation consultant, remarked, “Airports located near green belts or coastal areas are more prone to such risks. Regular inspections and effective bird control measures are crucial in preventing such incidents.”
Mumbai’s airport authorities conduct routine wildlife hazard management programs, including patrols and the use of deterrents to prevent birds from nesting near operational zones. Despite these efforts, challenges persist, particularly during the breeding season.
The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has been informed of the incident and may initiate a review of the maintenance procedures involved. Air India confirmed that additional checks are being conducted across its grounded aircraft as a precaution.
The flight landed safely in Bangkok later that day, with no further issues reported.
