30.10.2026 14:21
A flock of birds struck a Pegasus Airlines passenger plane that took off from Istanbul Airport to fly to Copenhagen. The impact caused shattering and severe damage to the plane's wing, and the pilot requested emergency landing clearance from the control tower. The plane, which took off at 09:10, landed safely at Istanbul Airport. The passengers were evacuated and transferred to another plane. The Copenhagen flight was operated again with a delay.
The passenger aircraft belonging to Pegasus Airlines, which took off from Istanbul Airport at 09:10 to fly to Copenhagen, encountered a flock of birds after takeoff.
A loud noise was heard as many birds struck the aircraft simultaneously. The impact caused the aircraft's wing to break apart and sustain heavy damage.
PILOT REQUESTED EMERGENCY LANDING PERMISSION
Following the incident, the pilot contacted the Istanbul Airport Air Traffic Control Tower and requested permission for an emergency landing.
After receiving the necessary permissions, the aircraft changed its route and returned to Istanbul Airport, where it had taken off.
EMERGENCY RESPONSE TEAMS WERE PLACED ON STANDBY
Upon the aircraft's decision to return, emergency response teams at the airport were kept on standby against any possible adverse situation.
The damaged passenger aircraft landed safely at Istanbul Airport. After landing, the passengers on board were evacuated.
PASSENGERS WERE TRANSFERRED TO ANOTHER AIRCRAFT
The passengers of the aircraft, which could not complete its flight due to the bird strike, were transferred to another aircraft so they could reach Copenhagen.
The Denmark flight resumed with a delay due to the incident.