TUI Airways flight BY6312 from Cardiff to Paphos (Boeing 737-800 registered G-FDZR) made an emergency return shortly after take-off on Wednesday, 9 September, after encountering a flock of birds.
Video recorded by passengers showed flames coming from the engine beneath the aircraft’s right wing. One passenger also reported smelling burning inside the cabin.
The aircraft landed safely at Cardiff Airport at approximately 14:52, where it was met by airport fire and rescue crews. All passengers and crew were unharmed. The runway reopened at 15:22 and normal operations resumed.
A replacement flight departed for Paphos at 12:25 the following day. According to the UK Civil Aviation Authority, more than 1,700 bird strikes were recorded nationally last year, although incidents causing serious aircraft damage or fatalities remain extremely rare.