Air India Express Flight IX-2458 Aborts Take-Off at Pune After Dog Spotted on Runway

More than 120 passengers aboard a Jaipur-bound Air India Express flight experienced a high-speed aborted take-off on Friday afternoon after a stray dog was spotted on the runway at Pune Airport. Flight IX-2458 was rapidly accelerating down the airstrip when air traffic control (ATC) issued an urgent alert, prompting the pilot to apply emergency brakes. The sudden deceleration brought the aircraft to a halt at near-maximum take-off speed, causing a violent jolt throughout the cabin, as reported by TOI. No injuries were reported, and the flight eventually departed following a mandatory technical inspection.

Passenger Accounts of the Aborted Take-Off

The flight, which was nearly full, was scheduled for a 3:15 p.m. departure. According to passengers on board, the aircraft had taxied normally and was gathering significant speed when the brakes were abruptly engaged. Air India Express Flight IX938 Faces Nose Wheel Issue During Landing at Phuket Airport, Passengers Safely Deplaned (See Pics and Video).

Aashish Bakhle, a resident of Bavdhan traveling with his wife, described a scene of brief panic inside the cabin. Passengers reported hearing loud mechanical noises accompanied by severe jerking as the plane ground to a halt. The pilot subsequently announced via the public address system that the take-off had been terminated due to an animal incursion detected by the control tower.

Post-Incident Protocols and Flight Delay

Following the high-speed stop, the aircraft taxied back to a designated parking bay. Because emergency braking at high speeds subjects the landing gear and braking systems to extreme friction and heat, the plane had to undergo a compulsory safety inspection by ground engineers. Air India Group to Operate 72 Scheduled and Non-Scheduled Flights to and From West Asia Amid Geopolitical Tensions.

After technical teams cleared the aircraft for service, the flight safely took off for Jaipur at approximately 4:55 p.m., resulting in a total delay of nearly 100 minutes. Air India Express spokespersons declined to comment on the operational details of the incident.

Jurisdiction and Operational Oversight

Pune Airport operates as a civil enclave within the Lohegaon Air Force Station, meaning the airfield's runway infrastructure and ATC operations are entirely managed by the Indian Air Force (IAF). Pune Airport Director Santosh Dhoke clarified that runway security falls under military jurisdiction, and official inquiries were directed to defense authorities.

The incident has renewed scrutiny regarding airside security at the facility. Aviation analyst Dhairyashil Vandekar characterized high-speed runway incursions as a major threat to life, stating that recurring wildlife breaches indicate current deterrence measures remain insufficient. He called for a coordinated, long-term strategy involving the Indian Air Force, the Airports Authority of India, and local municipal bodies to permanently secure the airfield.

Context of Local Airstrip Incursions

Friday's emergency stop is the latest in a series of wildlife encounters at the Pune airfield. On June 28, an incoming Air India Express flight from Bhubaneswar was forced to execute a "go-around" after dogs were sighted on the tarmac.

Additionally, a flight from Delhi suffered a bird strike during landing in June 2025, and a stray dog was killed after being struck by a taxiing SpiceJet aircraft in February 2023. Airport management has previously linked the presence of animals to poor waste and garbage management in the surrounding municipal areas, which frequently draws birds and stray animals toward the runway perimeter.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Jul 04, 2026 10:08 AM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).