flydubai aircraft safely returns to Dubai from Kathmandu after bird strike

Dubai: A flydubai flight has safely landed in Dubai airport at 00:11 local time after experiencing a bird strike during takeoff from Kathmandu.

"The aircraft landed normally in Dubai and further inspection will be conducted," the airline said in a statement.

"Our experienced flight crew followed standard operating procedure and continued the onward journey after determining that the engine was within normal operating parameters. The safety of our passengers and crew is our top priority. We apologise for any inconvenience caused to our passengers travel schedule," an airline spokesperson said.

“flydubai flight FZ 576 from Kathmandu Airport (KTM) to Dubai International (DXB) experienced a bird strike during takeoff from Kathmandu,” the airline earlier told Gulf News.

“After following standard procedure, the flight will continue as normal to Dubai and is scheduled to land in DXB at 12.14 am local time,” an airline spokesperson explained.

The Emirate’s Media Office also shared updates about the flight responding to media reports. It cited Nepal’s Civil Aviation Authority and said, “Fly Dubai flight number 576, (Boeing 737-800) Kathmandu to Dubai flight is normal now and proceeding to her destination Dubai as per the flight plan.”

On normal route

The Boeing 737-800 aircraft departed from Kathmandu’s Tribhuvan International Airport at 9.19 pm (local time) though the scheduled departure time was 7.55 pm, according to flight tracking website FlightRadar24. It was expected to arrive in Dubai at 11.05 pm, UAE time.

Bird strikes are considered a major threat to flight safety. It has resulted in damage to aircraft as well as human casualties.