Air Arabia plane carrying 166 people returns to Thiruvananthapuram airport after bird strike

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: An Air Arabia flight bound for Sharjah was forced to make an emergency landing shortly after takeoff from Thiruvananthapuram International Airport following a bird strike. The aircraft was unable to continue its journey after the impact damaged the fan blades of one of its engines.

The Air Arabia flight G9 449 departed for Sharjah at 4:49 a.m. on Wednesday with 166 people on board, including crew members. As the aircraft lifted off from the runway, multiple birds reportedly struck the engine section of the plane.

The cockpit received a warning indicating damage to the engine fan blades. After noticing the alert, the pilot informed Air Traffic Control (ATC) and requested permission for an emergency landing.

Following the request, ATC adjusted the takeoff and landing schedules of other flights and cleared the aircraft for an immediate return to the airport.

After safely landing, inspections confirmed that the aircraft was not fit for further operation. The passengers were shifted to hotels while arrangements were made for repairs.

Airport authorities said the damaged aircraft can only be repaired after a technical team from Sharjah arrives and assesses the situation.