CARDIFF, Wales — A TUI flight bound for Paphos, Cyprus, was forced to divert Sunday after a bird strike occurred shortly after takeoff from Cardiff Airport, prompting an onboard emergency declaration.
Flight TOM 6754, a Boeing 737, departed Cardiff at 4:30 p.m. and was rerouted to Birmingham following the incident. Birmingham Airport temporarily suspended operations as emergency services prepared for the aircraft’s arrival.
Flight tracking data showed the plane circling Swansea Bay at approximately 3,000 feet before climbing to 12,000 feet and heading toward the West Midlands. The aircraft landed safely at 5:30 p.m. after burning fuel in the air. Passengers and crew were evacuated without injury and met on the runway by four fire engines and other emergency responders.
A TUI spokesperson confirmed the bird strike occurred near Cardiff during takeoff and said the diversion was a precautionary measure. The Mirror first reported the incident.