Bird strike forces Air Malta plane to return to airport

An Air Malta flight to London Heathrow Airport was forced to return to base today, after it was involved in a bird strike.

The flight in question, Air Malta flight KM100, was scheduled to leave Malta International Airport at 7.20am, with the bird strike take placing upon its departure.

Malta International Airport said the aircraft then returned to the airport for the necessary inspections.

An internal investigation into the case has been launched.

The airport apologised for the inconvenience, and said it was working with the airline to assist the affected passengers.

The incident comes after Air Malta flights to and from Paris Orly Airport were cancelled at short notice and without prior warning on Tuesday, when several pilots called in sick at the same time.