'All on board safe': Uganda Airlines flight aborted after bird strike

A Uganda Airlines flight bound for Entebbe on Friday morning was forced to return to O.R. Tambo International Airport in South Africa after a disruptive bird strike 45 minutes after takeoff.

The bird strike resulted in a shattered windscreen, the airline said in statement on social media platform X on Saturday.

"The flight crew made the decision to return to O.R. Tambo International Airport [in Johannesburg], where the aircraft landed safely.

This precautionary measure to abort the flight was done to ensure the safety of all on board. 

"We confirm that all guests and crew are safe," the airline said.

“The safety and security of our passengers and staff remain our highest priority." 

The company advised affected travellers to contact its Customer Support Centre via phone or WhatsApp for rebooking and alternative travel arrangements.

Other than the reported shattered windscreen, it was not immediately clear what the extent of the damage as result of the strike was by the time of writing this.

Bird strikes not uncommon

While a shattered windscreen may appear dramatic, bird strikes — which often occur during critical phases such as takeoff and landing — are a well-known and persistent hazard in global aviation, according to online sources.

The severity of such incidents depends largely on the bird’s size and the aircraft’s speed.
Because impact energy increases with the square of velocity, even relatively small birds can cause significant damage. 

For example, a 5kg bird striking an aircraft travelling at 275 km/h can exert a force comparable to a 100kg weight dropped from a height of 15 metres.

More than 90 per cent of bird strikes occur below 3,000 feet, typically during takeoff or landing. 

Engines and windscreens are among the most vulnerable parts of an aircraft. While most incidents result in minimal damage, an estimated 10 to 15 per cent cause serious structural or mechanical issues. 

Modern aircraft windscreens are designed to withstand impacts from smaller birds, but larger species or high-speed collisions can still cause severe damage.

Globally, bird strikes cost the aviation industry an estimated $1.2 billion (about sh4.4 trillion) annually in damage and operational disruptions.

Recently, the Uganda civil Aviation Authority said it had stepped up mitigation efforts through its Flight Path Sustainability Project at Entebbe International Airport, working with surrounding communities to improve waste management and reduce the presence of scavenger birds, such as marabou storks.

'Freak incident'

Simon Kaheru, one of the passengers on the flight from Johannesburg, posted on X expressing gratitude for the safe outcome and commending the flight crew.

He shared images of the aircraft, including the damaged windscreen, and described the incident as a “freak” mid-air occurrence shortly after departure from Johannesburg.

He credited Captain Tonny Tebajanga with calmly managing the situation and safely returning the aircraft to the airport.

Kaheru was also full of praise of the cabin crew, noting that they remained composed and professional throughout the incident despite the tense situation.

In the same spirit, other social media users equally expressed relief and support following the incident, with many thanking God for the safety of those on board.

One highlighted the role of training and professionalism in aviation safety, noting that emergencies are part of the industry and that a safe landing was the most important outcome.

Another pointed out that modern aircraft are designed with multiple layers of redundancy, including reinforced, multi-layered windscreens, which allow planes to remain safe even in the event of damage.

By the time of writing this, the affected passengers remained in Johannesburg awaiting further travel arrangements.