The airline apologises for any inconvenience caused to the passengers' travel schedule
Image for illustrative purposes only.
A flydubai flight landed safely at Dubai International Airport after the aircraft experienced a bird strike during takeoff from Nepal.
A tweet by the Dubai Media Office quoted a flydubai spokesperson: "flydubai flight FZ 576 from Kathmandu Airport (KTM) has safely landed in Dubai International (DXB) at 00:11 local time after experiencing a bird strike during takeoff from Kathmandu."
The spokesperson said its experienced flight crew followed standard operating procedure and continued the onward journey after determining that the engine was within normal operating parameters. "The aircraft landed normally in Dubai and further inspection will be conducted. The safety of our passengers and crew is our top priority. We apologise for any inconvenience caused to our passengers travel schedule," the statement said.
Earlier, the Dubai Media Office shared an update posted by the Nepal Civil Aviation Authority about the incident: "Flydubai flight number 576, (Boeing 737-800) Kathmandu to Dubai flight is... proceeding to her destination Dubai as per the flight plan."
A flydubai spokesperson said FZ-576 had taken off from Kathmandu Airport.
Nepal's Minister for Culture, Tourism and Civil Aviation Sudan Kirati said the flight is "moving safely to its destination" and that "no one needs to worry".
According to reports, there were 150 people on board, including 50 Nepali passengers.
Earlier, American Airlines flight 1958 returned safely after a birdstrike sparked an engine fire shortly after takeoff from Ohio.
According to the International Civil Aviation Authority, around 34 birdstrikes happen every day.
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