Fri Jun 27 06:34:48 UTC 2025: Okay, here’s a summary and a rewritten news article based on the provided text, tailored for a news publication perspective:
**Summary:**
An Air India flight (AI2354) from Mumbai to Bangkok was delayed for over five hours on June 25, 2025, after hay was found lodged in one of the aircraft’s wings. The issue was addressed, and the aircraft cleared for operation, but the flight was further delayed due to crew duty time limitations. Passengers were disembarked and given refreshments while a new crew was arranged. Air India has initiated an investigation and reported the incident to the DGCA. This incident follows recent heightened scrutiny by the DGCA, uncovering several safety violations across airlines and airports in India.
**News Article:**
**Air India Flight to Bangkok Delayed After Hay Found in Wing; DGCA Steps Up Scrutiny**
**Mumbai, June 27, 2025:** An Air India flight (AI2354) scheduled to depart from Mumbai for Bangkok on June 25th faced a significant delay after a peculiar discovery – hay lodged within the left wing of the aircraft. The incident resulted in a delay of over five hours and comes amidst increased scrutiny of aviation safety by the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA).
According to an Air India statement released Friday, the hay was found during pre-flight checks. While the airline said that the hay was removed, the source of the hay could not be identified. Flightradar24.com indicated the Airbus A320Neo was originally scheduled for a 7:45 AM departure but didn’t leave until approximately 1:00 PM.
The delay was compounded by flight duty time limitations for the original crew. Passengers were disembarked and provided refreshments while a new crew was assembled.
“AI2354 scheduled to operate from Mumbai to Bangkok on 25 June 2025 was held back as some hay was found stuck below the left wing of the operating aircraft,” Air India stated. “This was immediately attended to, and the aircraft was subsequently cleared for operation…The service provider handling the aircraft at Mumbai airport has been instructed to investigate the matter, which has been duly reported to the safety regulator, Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA).”
The incident occurs in the wake of the DGCA increasing surveillance on major Indian airports, airlines, and maintenance practices, following the Air India plane crash in Ahmedabad on June 12th. The DGCA announced earlier this week it had detected multiple violations related to flight operations, airworthiness, and ramp safety. They did not disclose names of the airlines, airports and other entities in relation to the defects.
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