A group of birds crashed into an airplane shortly after take-off from Palma, necessitating an immediate return to the airport. This rare incident happened without causing any reported damage. The airplane, Ew 6870 flight by Eurowings, was en route from Palma de Mallorca to the Austrian city of Graz when it met with the bird collision.

Occurrence of the Incident

This uncommon incident transpired this past Thursday afternoon at the Son Sant Joan airport. Reliable sources from Aena and Última Hora news confirmed the event. The scheduled flight had to face an unforeseen cancellation due to the airplane birds encounter. The incident took place around 2:25 p.m., as detailed by Menorca.info, marking the abrupt encounter between the airplane and a flock of birds.

Safety Measures and Passenger’s Reaction

In the midst of the fear sparked by the collision, Eurowings promptly assured that, “the safety of all passengers and crew was never compromised.” To address the inconvenience, the company swiftly arranged tickets for the passengers on the next flight to Graz.

Efforts to Prevent Bird Strikes

To preemptively tackle such incidents, the airport has incorporated special measures. With a team of three falconers and eleven birds of prey, they aim to reduce the probability of bird strikes, which tend to occur from time to time.

Pep Salom, director of the service at Son Sant Joan, expressed, “Although it’s challenging, it’s not impossible. Utilizing the hawks, we can decrease the risk by almost 99%.”

Airplane and Birds: Wrapping Up

In conclusion, the airplane birds’ collision, which led to the Ew 6870 flight’s unexpected return to Palma, is a clear example of nature’s unpredictable influence on air travel. Despite the initial alarm, the proficient response from Eurowings and the Son Sant Joan airport authorities ensured passenger safety and minimal disruption. Their continued efforts to manage bird strike risks also highlight their dedication to safe, efficient air travel.