A Ryanair flight, FR5883, bound for Malta from Norwich Airport, was forced to divert to East Midlands Airport on Tuesday after experiencing a bird strike shortly after take-off.
The Boeing 737 MAX 8 aircraft, registered as 9H-VUV, departed Norwich at approximately 08:30 BST (or 08:41 BST according to the BBC) for its non-stop journey to Malta International Airport. However, during its initial climb, the crew halted the aircraft’s ascent at around 7,000 ft after the incident.
Flight Path and Emergency Declaration
Following the bird strike, the aircraft was observed entering a holding pattern over Norwich before being tracked over Nottingham. Further reports from Edp24 indicated it cut through Lincolnshire and looped past Leicester before heading to East Midlands Airport.
Roughly 30 minutes into the flight, the crew transmitted a squawk code 7700, the international aviation transponder code signalling a general emergency, to alert air traffic controllers. Despite this, a Ryanair spokesperson confirmed that the aircraft did not make an emergency landing upon arrival at East Midlands Airport at 10:00 local time, according to the BBC.
Ryanair Response and Replacement
A spokesperson for Ryanair stated: "This flight from Norwich to Malta diverted to East Midlands Airport following a minor bird strike shortly after take-off." To minimise delays for passengers, a replacement aircraft was quickly arranged to operate the flight to Malta, scheduled to depart at 11:40 am local time.
Context at Norwich Airport
The incident occurred amidst ongoing industrial action at Norwich Airport. Air traffic control members of the Prospect union have been taking strike action over pay disputes, which includes working strictly to contracts, with no shift swapping or non-contractually obligated overtime. This action, however, is separate from the bird strike incident itself.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What happened to Ryanair flight FR5883?
Ryanair flight FR5883, travelling from Norwich to Malta, diverted to East Midlands Airport after experiencing a bird strike shortly after take-off.
- Where did the flight divert to?
The flight diverted to East Midlands Airport, arriving at 10:00 local time.
- Was it an emergency landing?
No, a Ryanair spokesperson confirmed that the aircraft did not make an emergency landing, despite the crew transmitting an emergency squawk code.
- When was the replacement flight due to depart?
A replacement aircraft was arranged to depart for Malta at 11:40 am local time.
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