Guwahati: An Akasa Air plane that was headed for Delhi during the climb-out on Thursday morning was hit by a bird, according to India’s aviation authotities. According to the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), the Boeing 737 Max 8 aircraft, which is flown by the recently established low-cost carrier Akasa Air, sustained radome damage as a result of the bird strike at 1900 feet.
The DGCA in a statement said, “Today, Akasa B-737-8(Max) aircraft VT-YAF operating flight QP-1333 (Ahmedabad-Delhi) experienced a bird strike during the climb out passing 1900ft. Post landing at Delhi, Radome damage was observed. Aircraft declared AOG (Aircraft on ground) at Delhi.”
This month, a last-minute mechanical cancellation of an Akasa Air aircraft from Ahmedabad to Bengaluru caused confusion at the airline’s check-in desks as customers demanded other flights to their destinations. According to a passenger, Akasa Air QP 1332 was originally due to depart at 9.55 p.m. but the airline notified the passengers that it had been rescheduled for 10.55 p.m.
“The airline said that we can fly on Wednesday at the same time. But it did not offer passengers food or hotel accommodation. It told us to take a refund or wait till tomorrow at the airport,” the passenger alleged, as quoted by PTI.
An airline spokesperson confirmed the cancellation citing technical reasons.
“The flight has been cancelled due to technical reasons. The aircraft is grounded and being inspected. The passengers have been given the option either to avail the full refund or make arrangements in a hotel on their own and the airline will disburse that amount,” the spokesperson said.