A Skardu-bound passenger flight carrying 170 people was struck by a bird during takeoff, forcing the aircraft to return for a safety inspection shortly after departing. The incident caused concern among passengers but ended without any reported injuries.
The bird strike occurred moments after the aircraft became airborne, prompting the flight crew to follow standard aviation safety procedures. After assessing the situation, the pilots informed air traffic control and safely returned the aircraft to the departure airport as a precaution.
Airport officials confirmed that all 170 passengers and crew members remained safe throughout the incident. Emergency response teams were placed on standby, while maintenance engineers began inspecting the aircraft for any damage caused by the impact. Bird strikes can affect critical components such as engines, the nose, or the windshield, making thorough inspections essential before an aircraft is cleared to fly again.
The airline arranged assistance for passengers while technical teams evaluated the aircraft’s condition. Depending on the inspection results, the flight was expected to resume either on the same aircraft after repairs or on a replacement aircraft.
Aviation experts note that bird strikes are a known hazard in the aviation industry, particularly during takeoff and landing when aircraft operate at lower altitudes. Although most incidents do not result in serious damage, strict international safety procedures require pilots to report the event immediately and allow engineers to inspect the aircraft before it returns to service.
Authorities have launched a routine review of the incident, while airport wildlife management teams are expected to assess bird activity around the runway to reduce the risk of similar occurrences in the future.
The successful return of the aircraft highlighted the effectiveness of aviation safety protocols, ensuring that all passengers remained safe despite the unexpected mid-departure incident.
