A Boeing 737 aircraft flying from Cardiff to Paphos was forced to make an emergency landing in Birmingham after experiencing a bird strike shortly after takeoff. The incident occurred on Sunday evening, causing the aircraft to divert for safety reasons.
Bird strike: Flight Path and Emergency Landing
Shortly after leaving Cardiff Airport, the aircraft climbed to approximately 3,000 feet. As it flew over Swansea Bay, the pilots reported the bird strike and made the decision to circle the area before redirecting to Birmingham. The plane landed safely at Birmingham Airport, where fire engines and emergency response teams were on standby.
Passenger Experience and Safety Protocols
Fortunately, the landing was executed without incident, and passengers were able to disembark safely. A spokesperson for the airline reassured that no engine damage was sustained, emphasising that the diversion was a precautionary measure in line with standard operating procedures.
Official Comments on the Incident
A representative from Birmingham Airport stated that their fire service had followed established protocols to ensure the safety of everyone onboard during the emergency landing. Meanwhile, a source from Hermes Airports, which manages Cyprus airports, confirmed the details of the incident, stating that the flight was redirected due to the bird strike shortly after departure.
Arrangements for Affected Passengers
In light of the diversion, the airline made arrangements for passengers to continue their journey to Cyprus on alternative flights, as the affected Boeing 737 remained in Birmingham for further checks and evaluation. The swift response and adherence to safety protocols ensured that the situation was managed effectively, allowing passengers to reach their destination with minimal disruption.