Kenya Airways has confirmed that one of its flights from Uganda to Kenya was forced to return to Entebbe after experiencing a bird strike shortly after takeoff.
The airline said the incident involved flight KQ421, which had been scheduled to travel from Entebbe to Nairobi on Sunday morning, May 24.
According to the airline, the aircraft experienced the bird strike at around 10:02am East African Time shortly after departing from Entebbe International Airport.
Kenya Airways aircraft makes emergency return following bird strike. Photo: Courtesy.
Following the incident, the crew implemented all the required safety procedures and informed passengers onboard before deciding to turn the aircraft back to Entebbe.
The plane later landed safely at Entebbe International Airport at around 10:41am local time, with the airline confirming that the crew acted in line with established safety protocols.
According to Kenya Airways, the bird strike damaged some of the aircraft’s steering systems, prompting engineers and airport officials to immediately begin repair works to restore the plane to service.
The airline said technical teams were working around the clock to address the damage and minimise disruptions caused by the incident.
Kenya Airways also apologised to passengers affected by the disruption, while maintaining that the safety of passengers and staff remains its top priority.
The airline added that its teams had contacted affected travellers and were providing assistance and support following the interruption of the journey.
The latest incident comes barely a week after the national carrier reported another bird strike involving one of its aircraft operating on the Abidjan-Dakar-Abidjan-Nairobi route.
The airline said the aircraft experienced the bird strike while landing in Abidjan on Thursday night, May 14.
Following that incident, the plane was grounded for technical inspections and maintenance, resulting in disruptions along the affected routes.
The airline later said its technical teams had begun working to restore the aircraft to service while also assisting affected passengers with alternative travel arrangements.
