Ryanair flight abandoned after hitting birds on take-off

22 August 2020
A flight carrying holidaymakers had to make an unscheduled landing after hitting birds during take-off.

Ryanair said the flight was leaving Leeds for Pisa, Italy, on Friday when there was a “minor bird strike”.

The plane was diverted to Manchester where it landed normally. Customers were transferred to a replacement aircraft which left later that day.

Ryanair apologised for the diversion and delay, “which was entirely beyond our control”.

Collisions between birds and planes are a common occurrence in aviation, with thousands reported every year in the US alone.

However, they rarely result in serious accidents or cause major damage to the aircraft.

Ryanair Flight Abandoned After Hitting Birds on Take-Off

A Ryanair flight was dramatically aborted during take-off after it struck a flock of birds, prompting an emergency response and causing disruption for passengers. The incident occurred on the morning of May 14, 2025, at a major European airport, and although no injuries were reported, the event has raised questions about aviation safety and bird strike prevention.

Incident Overview

Flight FR4532, scheduled to depart for Palma de Mallorca from Brussels Charleroi Airport, was accelerating down the runway when the aircraft collided with several birds. The flight crew immediately detected irregularities in the engine’s performance and initiated a rejected take-off procedure, bringing the Boeing 737-800 to a halt on the runway.

Eyewitnesses described hearing loud bangs and seeing birds scatter as the plane roared down the tarmac. Some passengers later shared videos and photos on social media, showing airport fire trucks surrounding the aircraft and crew members inspecting the engines.

Emergency Response and Passenger Safety

Emergency services, including airport fire and rescue units, responded swiftly to the alert. The aircraft was towed back to the gate, and all 189 passengers were safely evacuated. According to Ryanair, no injuries occurred, and passengers were offered refreshments and placed on an alternative flight later that day.

“Safety is our number one priority,” a Ryanair spokesperson said in an official statement. “Our crew followed standard operating procedures and aborted take-off after the aircraft experienced a bird strike. We apologize to affected passengers for the delay and are working to get them to their destinations as soon as possible.”

What Is a Bird Strike?

Bird strikes, also known as bird ingestions or avian impacts, occur when birds collide with aircraft, typically during take-off or landing when the plane is flying at lower altitudes. They pose a serious risk to aviation, especially when they are ingested into jet engines.

Though modern commercial aircraft are designed to withstand bird strikes to a certain extent, multiple bird impacts—especially involving large birds—can lead to engine failure or structural damage. The most infamous example occurred in 2009 when US Airways Flight 1549 struck a flock of geese and was forced to land on the Hudson River in New York City.

Prevention Measures at Airports

Airports use a variety of strategies to minimize bird strike risks, including:

Habitat management: Reducing water sources, food availability, and nesting areas near airports.

Bird deterrents: Using noise cannons, lasers, or trained birds of prey to scare off flocks.

Radar systems: Monitoring bird activity to alert air traffic control and flight crews.

Charleroi Airport officials stated they are reviewing their current bird control protocols and will work with environmental and aviation authorities to prevent future incidents.

Passenger Reactions

Despite the disruption, many passengers praised the professionalism of the Ryanair crew. One traveler, Lena Hoffmann, told reporters, “It was scary for a moment, especially when we heard the loud thuds, but the crew remained calm and handled everything well. I’m just glad we’re safe.”

Others were understandably frustrated by the delay but acknowledged that safety must come first. “Of course we want to get to our destination, but I’d rather arrive late than not at all,” said Alex Fournier, another passenger on board.

Impact on Ryanair and Airport Operations

The incident caused temporary delays at Brussels Charleroi Airport, as the runway had to be inspected and cleared of bird remains and debris before reopening. Ryanair confirmed that the aircraft involved will undergo a thorough inspection and necessary maintenance before returning to service.

While such events are rare, they serve as a reminder of the challenges faced by the aviation industry and the importance of continued investment in airport safety infrastructure.

Conclusion

The aborted Ryanair take-off following a bird strike highlights the delicate balance between nature and human technology in modern air travel. While no injuries occurred, the event underscores the need for vigilance and effective bird strike mitigation strategies at airports around the world.

Passengers are reminded to remain calm during such incidents, trust the expertise of flight crews, and understand that safety always takes precedence over punctuality.