Iberia flight makes emergency landing after bird strike damages plane

MADRID, Spain — A passenger flight from Madrid to Paris was forced to make an emergency landing after a bird strike caused significant damage to the aircraft and filled the cabin with smoke.

The incident occurred shortly after takeoff on Sunday when the Iberia plane collided with a bird, damaging one of its engines. Passengers onboard initially believed the turbulence was routine, but quickly realized something was wrong when a loud noise followed and smoke began to enter the cabin.

Video shared on social media shows extensive damage to the aircraft’s nose.

Despite the alarming situation, the flight crew was able to return the aircraft to Madrid and land safely. Iberia later praised the pilots and crew for handling the emergency with “the utmost professionalism.”

No injuries were reported, and the incident remains under review.