On 5 May 2018, a Ryanair Boeing 737-800 was about to touch down on runway 25R at Barcelona Airport. Suddenly, a flock of seagulls flew away, in the direction of the approaching aircraft. Several birds impacted the aircraft and a few birds were ingested by both engines. The aircraft, however, safely landed.
After the landing, a runway inspection was performed. At least 20 dead seagulls were found. While the airport authorities cleaned up the runway, other aircraft were forced to enter a holding pattern and to land on another runway. Runway 25R remained closed for about one hour.
Later in the morning, the belated aircraft left Barcelona Airport after a cleanup and inspection by mechanics.