An Emirates flight from Delhi to Dubai has been delayed after the aircraft encountered a bird strike while arriving in the national capital on Saturday, October 17, the airline said. In a statement, Emirates said, "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," it added.
The airline said the aircraft would undergo the necessary repairs before the return journey. Hotel accommodation is being arranged for passengers affected by the delay.
Emirates flight EK517 delayed after bird strike in Delhi
The disruption affected Emirates flight EK517, which arrived in Delhi from Dubai on October 17. The aircraft sustained a bird strike on arrival, prompting the airline to delay its return service to Dubai for repairs. The flight is now expected to depart at 7 am Delhi local time on Sunday, October 18. Emirates has apologised for the inconvenience caused to passengers and said their safety remains its top priority.
Air India extends Saudi Arabia flight suspension until October 24
Separately, Air India and Air India Express have extended the temporary suspension of flights to and from Jeddah, Riyadh and Dammam in Saudi Arabia until October 24, 2026, amid Houthi rebel strikes in the West Asian country.
In a travel advisory, Air India said passengers with eligible bookings would be offered greater flexibility to manage their travel plans during the disruption.
"In view of the prevailing situation, Air India and Air India Express have temporarily suspended flights to and from Jeddah, Riyadh and Dammam until 24 October 2026. We understand that these disruptions may affect our guests' travel plans and are committed to providing as much flexibility as possible during this period," the airline said.
Air India offers complimentary date changes for affected passengers
Air India said bookings issued on or before October 15, 2026, with travel dates between October 9 and October 25, 2026, are eligible for a one-time complimentary date change up to November 10, 2026.
"Guests holding confirmed Air India or Air India Express bookings issued on or before 15 October 2026, with travel dates between 9 October and 25 October 2026, are eligible for a one-time complimentary date change on their respective airline up to 10 November 2026. Guests who do not wish to rebook on the originally preferred sector for a future date may, instead, choose to rebook from an alternative station in the GCC region served by their respective airline, subject to availability," the statement read.
The option to rebook from an alternative station in the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) region is subject to availability and applies to stations served by the passenger's respective airline.
Inputs from agencies