Passengers aboard Air India flight AI466 from Nagpur to Delhi experienced an unexpected disruption on October 24, 2025, when the aircraft suffered a bird-hit shortly after take-off. According to a statement released by Air India and reported by The Economic Times and The Tribune, the crew responded swiftly and opted to return to Nagpur as a precautionary measure, following standard operating procedures. The aircraft landed safely, and all passengers were unharmed—a relief for everyone involved.
Once the plane was back on the ground, maintenance teams conducted thorough checks on the aircraft. The inspection and necessary repairs took longer than anticipated, ultimately leading to the cancellation of the flight. Air India’s spokesperson confirmed, “Our ground team at Nagpur provided immediate assistance to the passengers, including serving meals to them.” The airline further stated that affected travelers were offered hotel accommodation, full refunds for cancelled tickets, or complimentary rescheduling, depending on their preferences. Additionally, alternative arrangements were made to ensure passengers could reach their destinations as soon as possible.
This incident, while handled efficiently, highlights the ongoing challenges airlines face when it comes to operational safety and passenger care. Bird strikes are a known hazard in aviation, often occurring near airports where birds are attracted by open spaces and food sources. While most bird strikes result in minor damage, they can occasionally cause significant operational disruptions, as seen in this case.
Just weeks before this event, Air India had faced another technical anomaly—this time involving the deployment of the Ram Air Turbine (RAT) on one of its Boeing 787-8 Dreamliners. On October 4, 2025, flight AI117 from Amritsar to Birmingham experienced an uncommanded RAT deployment before landing, as reported by Times Now News. The RAT is a crucial emergency device that deploys automatically in the event of dual engine failure or total electrical or hydraulic loss, using wind speed to generate emergency power for vital systems. Fortunately, the flight landed safely despite the unexpected activation.
Boeing, the manufacturer of the Dreamliner, provided a detailed explanation to India’s Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA). The company revealed that the uncommanded RAT deployment was caused by a mechanical toggle inside the RAT storage system slipping out of place after maintenance. This issue is not unique to Air India’s fleet; over the past 14 years, there have been 31 similar cases globally involving the 787-8 model, most of them linked to older RAT stow actuators lacking a modified shuttle valve. This valve is responsible for maintaining pressure within the up-lock toggle mechanism, ensuring the RAT stays securely stowed.
Boeing has since introduced a design change to the shuttle valve to minimize the risk of toggle misalignment. However, Air India’s VT-ANO aircraft, which underwent RAT maintenance in July 2025, still had the older actuator design. The DGCA responded by directing Air India to meticulously repeat the RAT stowage procedure for 16 of its Dreamliners that had experienced RAT deployment in the previous six months. According to a senior official, “RAT stowage has already been repeated for 14 aircraft, ensuring proper seating of the toggle assembly and reducing the risk of inadvertent RAT deployment due to pressure fluctuations or mechanical shocks. The remaining two aircraft are scheduled for completion of the RAT stowage task during ongoing Base maintenance activities.”
The importance of this preventive action was underscored by a tragic incident earlier in the year. On June 12, 2025, RAT deployment was reported on Air India’s Ahmedabad–London Dreamliner flight, which subsequently crashed, resulting in the loss of 241 out of 242 lives onboard. While the investigation into that disaster is ongoing, the recurrence of RAT-related issues has prompted both Boeing and Air India to take additional precautions to safeguard passengers and crew.
These two incidents—one a bird strike, the other a technical malfunction—reflect the complex web of safety protocols that underpin modern air travel. Airlines like Air India must be prepared for a wide range of contingencies, from natural hazards to mechanical failures. The company’s response to both situations demonstrates a commitment to passenger safety and regulatory compliance, though the need for ongoing vigilance is clear.
Meanwhile, Air India is also managing logistical changes at its primary hub. In a move aimed at supporting expansion activities at Terminal 3 (T3) of Indira Gandhi International Airport in Delhi, the airline announced that, effective October 26, 2025, 60 out of its 180 daily domestic flights will shift from T3 to Terminal 2. All international flights will continue to operate from T3. This transition is intended to facilitate the ongoing construction and modernization work at T3, which is expected to improve capacity and passenger experience in the long run.
For frequent flyers and industry observers, these operational updates are more than mere footnotes—they’re reminders of the constant balancing act between growth, safety, and customer service in aviation. The process of shifting terminals, for example, involves intricate coordination between airport authorities, airlines, and ground staff to minimize inconvenience to travelers. Air India’s decision to communicate these changes in advance reflects an understanding of the importance of transparency and proactive customer care.
Looking at the broader picture, incidents like the Nagpur bird strike and the Birmingham Dreamliner RAT deployment serve as case studies for the aviation sector’s resilience and adaptability. Every event, whether it ends safely or tragically, contributes to the ongoing evolution of industry standards and best practices. The fact that more than 1,100 Dreamliners are currently in service worldwide, as noted by Times Now News, is a testament to the model’s reliability—yet even these advanced aircraft are not immune to occasional glitches.
For travelers, the takeaway is both reassuring and sobering. Airlines and regulators are constantly learning from each incident, refining protocols, and implementing design improvements. At the same time, the rare but serious risks associated with air travel demand continued attention and investment in safety measures. As Air India and Boeing work together to address the technical issues with the RAT system, and as airport infrastructure continues to evolve, passengers can expect a safer and more seamless flying experience in the years ahead.
In the end, the safe landing in Nagpur and the proactive steps taken after the Dreamliner’s RAT deployment are small but significant victories in the ongoing effort to keep the skies safe for everyone.
