- Emirates flight EK517 hit by bird at Delhi IGI.
- Aircraft's nose cone damaged, causing flight delay.
- Affected passengers received accommodation; flight rescheduled for repairs.
Jagran Correspondent, New Delhi: An Emirates flight, scheduled to depart from IGI Airport, Delhi, for Dubai, was delayed following a bird strike on Saturday. The Emirates flight EK517 encountered a bird strike, resulting in a delay and causing trouble for Dubai-bound passengers.
The airline said the aircraft is undergoing necessary repairs. "Hotel accommodation is being arranged for affected passengers. The flight is now expected to depart at 07:00 Delhi local time on 18 October. Emirates apologises for any inconvenience caused. The safety of our passengers and crew is of the utmost importance and will not be compromised," it added.
Emirates flight EK517 from Dubai to Delhi on 17 October encountered a bird strike on arrival. As a result, the return flight EK517 from Delhi to Dubai will be delayed while the aircraft undergoes necessary repairs. Hotel accommodation is being arranged for affected passengers. The flight is now expected to depart at 07:00 Delhi local time on 18 October. Emirates apologises for any inconvenience caused. The safety of our passengers and crew is of the utmost importance and will not be compromised: Emirates
— ANI (@ANI) October 17, 2026
Emirates apologised for the inconvenience in its statement, reiterating that the safety of its passengers and crew is of the utmost importance and will not be compromised.
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Nose Cone Of Plane Damaged
The video emerged from the IGI airport showed that the bird hit damaged the nose cone of the aircraft. Emirates flight EK 517 was scheduled to depart from Terminal 3 for Dubai at 4.25 pm on Saturday. However, the bird strike incident prevented the plane from taking off on schedule.
Videos of the incident also circulated on the internet, showing the front part of the plane damaged, prompting air authorities to call technicians to inspect the damage.
In such a situation, a decision regarding the flight can only be made after assessing the condition of the aircraft and completing the necessary safety procedures.
However, the status of the aircraft's investigation and repairs has not been officially confirmed. Delhi Airport and Emirates have not issued any official statements regarding the incident. Also, no official information has been shared regarding any injuries to the passengers and crew members on board the plane.
A collision between an aircraft and a bird is known in aviation as a bird strike. Such incidents can cause damage to the aircraft’s engines, windshield, or exterior structure.
(With Inputs from Mukesh Thakur)