Akasa Air flight to Bengaluru turns back after bird strike

Akasa Air, which made its first flight two months ago in August, had a bird strike on Friday’s flight between Mumbai and Bengaluru. Immediately after takeoff, the aircraft was compelled to return to the Mumbai airport due to allegations of a burning smell. The staff and passengers on board were all secure.

“Akasa Air flight QP 1103 flying from Mumbai to Bengaluru on October 14 diverted back to Mumbai due to odour in the cabin resulting from a bird strike. The aircraft landed safely in Mumbai and all passengers were deboarded,” Akasa Air spokesperson said.

“The aircraft was positioned for a detailed inspection and has now returned to service. Our customer service team assisted passengers and arrangements were made to accommodate their journeys. We sincerely regret the inconvenience caused,” they added.

Late billionaire Rakesh Jhunjhunwala had invested in Akasa Air, which completed 60 days on October 7. “We are very happy, satisfied with… our performance,” the airline’s founder and CEO Vinay Dube had told the press.

The first flight operated by Akasa Air was from Mumbai to Ahmedabad. Since then the airline has expanded its routes to Chennai, Kochi, and Bengaluru.