An EasyJet flight heading to Malaga was diverted to London Gatwick earlier today after the aircraft encountered a bird strike shortly after take-off. The plane, flight number EJU7008, had initially departed from Southend Airport in Essex and was scheduled to land in Malaga, Spain.
Shortly after the bird strike, the pilot decided to divert to Gatwick in line with the airline’s safety procedures. The plane was met by a fleet of emergency services, including fire engines, as a precautionary measure. Upon landing, the aircraft was inspected by authorities to assess the situation.
Passengers onboard reported a calm and orderly landing. The plane was only grounded for a brief time before being cleared by the emergency services. EasyJet confirmed that a replacement aircraft and crew were being arranged at Gatwick to resume the journey to Malaga as quickly as possible.
An EasyJet spokesperson commented: “EasyJet can confirm that flight EJU7008 from Southend to Malaga today diverted to Gatwick due to a bird strike shortly after take-off. The pilot took this decision in line with our procedures and performed a routine landing. Emergency services attended the aircraft on arrival as a precaution measure only.”
Passengers were reassured that EasyJet prioritises safety above all else, and the airline thanked them for their patience and understanding. While the incident caused a minor delay, the airline is working to ensure passengers reach their destination as swiftly as possible.
The safety of passengers and crew remains EasyJet’s highest priority, and while such events are uncommon, the bird strike served as a reminder of the unpredictable challenges faced in aviation.
