An Emirates flight collided with a flock of flamingos late Monday night on approach to Mumbai, resulting in the death of 36 birds.
An airport source revealed that Emirates flight #EK508 reported a bird strike upon arrival at Mumbai airport at 9.18 pm.
The flight was on final approach for landing and managed to touch down safely but the plane was damaged during the incident. Mumbai air traffic control reported that the pilots informed them of multiple bird strikes.
Following the incident, 36 flamingoes have been found dead in Pantnagar Ghatkopar area after the strike with the Emirates Boeing 777-300ER.
The return flight – bound for Dubai – was cancelled late last evening. The aircraft registration A6-ENT is currently grounded, and engineers are being flown in to examine the plane.
D Stalin, an environmentalist with the NGO Vanashakti, said, “What caused the birds to fly into the aeroplane etc. are being investigated. My theory is the new power lines through the sanctuary area are causing disorientation to the birds.
