Massive Pink Bird Strike: Emirates Plane Lands Safely After Hitting 39 Flamingos in Mumbai

By Ivan PetrenkoMay 23, 2024 01:00 AMNews
Share:
White Emirates plane
White Emirates plane. Source: unsplash

An Emirates flight encountered a massive bird strike incident on Monday, colliding with a flock of flamingos upon approach to Mumbai International Airport. Despite the collision, the Boeing 777 landed safely, with no injuries reported among the 310 passengers on board.

Emirates 777 Hits Flock of Flamingos

The incident occurred as Emirates Flight EK508 was nearing its destination, approximately 6 km from Mumbai Airport, over the suburb of Ghatkopar. The aircraft, arriving from Dubai International Airport, touched down at around 21:30 local time. Emirates promptly reported the bird strike following the safe landing.

In a statement, Emirates confirmed the event:

"Emirates can confirm that EK508 from Dubai to Mumbai on 20 May was involved in a bird strike incident upon landing. The aircraft landed safely and all passengers and crew disembarked without injury, however sadly a number of flamingos were lost and Emirates is cooperating with the authorities on the matter."

Residents in the Ghatkopar area alerted authorities to the scattered flamingo carcasses. Forest Department officials began collecting the remains, with an estimated 39 birds found so far. These remains will be sent for autopsy to understand the full extent of the incident.

Aircraft Damage and Flight Cancellations

Emirates reported that the aircraft, a 777-300ER registered as A6-ENT, sustained damage, though the severity was not disclosed. Consequently, the return flight to Dubai was canceled, and passengers were provided with overnight accommodation. A replacement aircraft was arranged for their journey the following day. The affected Boeing 777-300ER, almost 10 years old, joined the Emirates fleet in August 2014.

Medium or Large Birds?

The bird strike involved flamingos, common visitors to Mumbai's wetlands from November to May. The species involved have not been confirmed, but both the Lesser Flamingo (Phoeniconaias minor) and Greater Flamingo (Phoenicopterus roseus) frequent the area. Lesser Flamingos weigh between 1.2 kg and 2.7 kg, categorizing them as medium-sized birds, while Greater Flamingos weigh between 2 kg and 4 kg, making them large birds.

Bird strikes pose significant risks, especially with flocks of medium or large birds. Engine testing ensures resilience against bird ingestion, but multiple bird strikes can still cause substantial damage. This incident is reminiscent of US Airways Flight 1549, which landed in the Hudson River after striking a flock of Canadian geese, larger birds weighing between 2.5 kg and 6.5 kg.

Environmental Disturbances

Environmental activists suggest that new power lines near Thane Creek Wildlife Sanctuary might have disoriented the birds, leading to their uncharacteristic flight path. Officials are investigating whether these disturbances caused the deviation.

Mumbai is also constructing a second airport, Navi Mumbai International Airport, set to open in phases starting in 2025. This project has faced opposition from environmentalists concerned about its impact on local wildlife.

Top Articles
Not Just a Suitcase: My Personal Checklist for Smart Travelers in 2025

Not Just a Suitcase: My Personal Checklist for Smart Travelers in 2025

Mar 3, 2025 18:00 PM
Practical Eco-Friendly Travel Solutions for Sustainable Tourism

Practical Eco-Friendly Travel Solutions for Sustainable Tourism

Feb 14, 2025 15:00 PM

Top Tips for Securing Your Luggage and Preventing Loss

Feb 7, 2025 14:00 PM

Your Guide to Hand Luggage and Baggage Rules

Feb 4, 2025 20:00 PM
More News
Person speaking into a megaphone during a public demonstration

Strike at Helsinki Airport to Disrupt Finnair Flights, Thousands to Face Travel Changes

Jun 30, 2025 20:38 PM
Modern hotel room with bed, sofa, and large windows

Berlin Becomes the Newest Dot on Dalata’s European Journey

Jun 30, 2025 18:23 PM

Transavia Replaces Boeing with New Jet on Mallorca Route

Jun 29, 2025 22:49 PM

European Food Halls Become Essential Travel Destinations

Jun 29, 2025 20:36 PM
Close-up of a Scandinavian Airlines aircraft parked on the tarmac at sunset

Direct Flights Between Copenhagen and Nuuk Resume After Two Decades, Opening New Arctic Travel Opportunities

Jun 28, 2025 21:22 PM
Electric Lumo train moving on railway tracks in the UK

New Slow Travel Trend Offers Different Way to Discover the UK

Jun 28, 2025 19:48 PM
LOT Polish Airlines aircraft preparing to land

LOT Adds Direct Flights Connecting Gdańsk to Istanbul’s Historic Core

Jun 28, 2025 17:35 PM
Multiple trains approach a busy London rail junction under a canopy of signals

Travel Disruption Expected on London Rail Lines 3 July

Jun 28, 2025 15:21 PM
Air Corsica aircraft wing above the clouds during flight

New Direct Flights Between Nice and Florence Open Up Easier Travel Across the Mediterranean

Jun 28, 2025 13:47 PM

Steady Travel Through Wales: T4 Changes Operator in September

Jun 28, 2025 00:34 AM

Montreal, Toronto, Niagara Falls Set for Centrally Located Hotel Openings

Jun 27, 2025 21:28 PM
Air Canada aircraft in flight approaching landing

New Direct Montréal–Edinburgh Flight Opens Summer City-to-City Travel

Jun 27, 2025 19:45 PM
Workers in safety gear repairing railway tracks with heavy equipment

Temporary Closure of Picerno Station Alters Train Routes in Southern Italy

Jun 27, 2025 17:32 PM
Ryanair Boeing 737 aircraft in flight against clear blue sky

Ryanair Unveils New Direct Winter Routes from Gothenburg, Boosting Travel Choices to Southern Europe

Jun 27, 2025 15:29 PM
Cozy hotel room with warm lighting and decorative wall art

New Hotels in Jeddah to Boost Travel Convenience Near King Abdullah Sports City

Jun 27, 2025 13:46 PM

Adelaide Gains Direct Flights to Bali, Unlocking Wider Asian Travel Options

Jun 27, 2025 05:33 AM

Travel to South Wales in July disrupted by rail changes

Jun 26, 2025 22:24 PM
Jet2holidays aircraft taxiing on runway

New Direct Flights to La Palma Expand UK–Canaries Access

Jun 26, 2025 20:41 PM
Train platforms and GWR trains at London Paddington station

Mobile Signal Returns to Key Train Routes

Jun 26, 2025 18:37 PM
Empty departure board at Helsinki Airport terminal during operational disruption

Finnair Warns of Major Travel Disruptions During July Airport Strikes

Jun 26, 2025 13:25 PM
Flydubai aircraft taxiing on runway at airport

flydubai Reopens Key Damascus Route, Expanding Travel Options in the Middle East

Jun 26, 2025 02:42 AM
Hotel room with a large bed, two lamps, and window curtains

New Hotel Opens in Tromsø Near Harbour as Travel Grows

Jun 26, 2025 00:38 AM

SAS Reopens Copenhagen–Mumbai Route After 17-Year Gap

Jun 25, 2025 22:21 PM

Canopy by Hilton Opens in Revitalized Longkloof District of Cape Town

Jun 25, 2025 20:47 PM
Emirates Airbus A380 flying against a cloudy sky

Etihad Begins Airbus A380 Flights to Toronto Increasing Capacity for Travelers

Jun 25, 2025 18:36 PM
Minimalist hotel room with natural light and modern decor

Hotel Opposite Haymarket: A New Stopover Spot in Festival Edinburgh

Jun 25, 2025 16:52 PM