Ryanair flight abandoned after hitting birds on take-off from Leeds Bradford Airport

A Ryanair flight carrying Yorkshire holidaymakers had to make an unscheduled landing after hitting birds during take-off.
Tim Paget
By Tim Paget
Published 22nd Aug 2020, 13:35 BST
Updated 22nd Aug 2020, 13:54 BST
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The airline said the flight was leaving Leeds Bradford Airport for Pisa, Italy, on Friday when there was a ‘minor bird strike’.

The plane was diverted to Manchester where it landed safely.

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Customers were transferred to a replacement aircraft which left later that day.

A Ryanair flight hit birds on departure from Leeds Bradford Airport. Photo credit FRANK PERRY/Getty Images.A Ryanair flight hit birds on departure from Leeds Bradford Airport. Photo credit FRANK PERRY/Getty Images.
A Ryanair flight hit birds on departure from Leeds Bradford Airport. Photo credit FRANK PERRY/Getty Images.

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Ryanair apologised for the diversion and delay.

Collisions between birds and planes are common but rarely result in serious accidents.

Related topics:Leeds Bradford AirportRyanairHarry MaguireManchesterYorkshireItaly