Mumbai | An Air India Pune-bound flight from Delhi suffered a bird hit on Friday, forcing the airline to cancel its return journey.

The aircraft landed safely and the bird hit was detected after it touched down in Pune, the airline said in a statement.

It has been grounded and extensive checks are being carried out by the engineering team, Air India said.

"Flight AI2470 scheduled to operate from Pune to Delhi on June 20 has been cancelled due to a bird-hit which was detected after the incoming flight landed safely in Pune," it said.

The airline also said it is making all arrangements, including providing accommodation for the stranded passengers.

Refunds on cancellation or complimentary rescheduling is also being offered to passengers who opt for it, the airline said, adding that alternative arrangements are being made to fly the passengers to Delhi.

Air India on Thursday said it will cut 38 international flights per week and suspend services on three overseas routes between June 21 and July 15.

Services will be suspended on Delhi-Nairobi, Amritsar-London (Gatwick) and Goa (Mopa)-London (Gatwick) till July 15.

While the Delhi-Nairobi route has four flights per week, the Amritsar-London (Gatwick) and Goa (Mopa)-London (Gatwick) routes each have three flights a week, according to the airline.

Besides, flights will be reduced on 18 international routes connecting cities in North America, Europe, Australia, and the Far East.

The routes in North America, which will see reduced frequencies, are Delhi-Toronto, Delhi-Vancouver, Delhi-San Francisco, Delhi-Chicago and Delhi-Washington.