Uganda Airlines flight returns to Johannesburg after bird strike

(JOHANNESBURG) – A flight operated by Uganda Airlines returned to its point of departure on Friday after a bird hit the aircraft shortly after it took off. The Bombardier CRJ900 plane was travelling from Johannesburg to Entebbe when the incident occurred about 45 minutes into the journey. The impact caused the windscreen of the cockpit to shatter, which led the crew to turn back as a safety measure.

The plane landed safely in Johannesburg without any injuries reported among the passengers or the crew members. Technicians are now checking the aircraft for further damage. Uganda Airlines said in a public statement that the safety of people on board is their main concern. The company is currently making new travel plans for the passengers who were on the flight to ensure they reach their destinations.

Experts in the aviation industry say that birds hitting planes is a common risk, especially during the first stages of a flight. Modern aircraft are built to handle these impacts, but damage to the front windows is a serious matter that requires the pilot to stop the flight. While most of these events only cause minor issues, about 10 to 15 percent result in significant damage to the structure or the engines of the plane. These incidents cost airlines around the world roughly $1.2 billion every year in repairs and cancelled trips.

The airline has not yet confirmed if the mechanical repairs will affect future flights to other regional destinations. Regular maintenance and safety checks are standard after such events to ensure the aircraft is fit to fly again.