A potential aviation safety scare was reported on Diwali evening after a passenger alleged that an aerial firework struck an Air India aircraft while it was approaching Bhubaneswar airport for landing. The incident reportedly occurred around 7:50 pm on November 8, when Air India flight AI 2661 was arriving from Delhi.
According to the passenger, a sky-shot firework went dangerously close to the aircraft during its final approach and appeared to collide with it. The passenger, who was travelling in seat 17A, claimed to have recorded the incident on video. The footage is expected to provide an important account of what happened during the aircraft’s approach.
Fortunately, the aircraft reportedly landed safely, and the passenger claimed that it did not sustain any visible damage. However, the alleged incident has raised concerns about the potential dangers of aerial fireworks near flight paths, particularly during festive celebrations when sky-shots are commonly used.
The incident is especially concerning as aircraft approaching airports operate at relatively low altitudes, making any external interference a potential safety hazard. An aerial firework coming into contact with an aircraft could pose risks to its structure, engines and other critical components.
Despite the seriousness of the allegation, no official statement from Air India or Bhubaneswar airport authorities could be independently verified at the time of writing. The circumstances surrounding the reported contact, including whether the aircraft was actually struck and whether any technical inspection was conducted after landing, remain unclear.
The passenger’s account and the video recording could help establish the sequence of events. An official response from the airline and airport authorities would be necessary to determine whether the incident involved an actual firework strike or a near miss.