Flight FJ450 from Christchurch to Nadi was forced to turn back and land safely in Christchurch after experiencing a bird strike shortly after takeoff, with visible damage to the aircraft’s nose reported.
Stuff Co NZ reports passengers aboard the Fiji Airways Boeing 737-808 shared images showing the extent of the damage sustained during the incident, which is believed to have been caused by a “substantial flock of birds”, according to the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA).
A Christchurch Airport spokesperson, Sean Tully, who is also a former commercial pilot, spoke to Stuff about what may have unfolded during the flight.
“For whatever reason, the captain decided that he didn’t want to go on,” said Tully. “There are many, many reasons why he might not have wanted to continue.”
He added that if the captain had spent significant time troubleshooting in the air, crew hour limitations might also have been a factor in the decision to return.
“They decided to come back, and that was the decision the captain made, for whatever reason. We will find out in the fullness of time,” he said.
In a statement, the CAA confirmed that bird strikes remain a known aviation hazard, and flight crews are trained and equipped to manage such events safely.
Fiji Airways has confirmed that all guests and crew onboard are safe. The airline’s engineering team is now conducting inspections and maintenance checks on the damaged aircraft.
“We sincerely apologise for the inconvenience caused and thank our guests for their patience and understanding,” Fiji Airways said, emphasising that safety remains its highest priority.
Fiji Airways has confirmed that all guests and crew onboard flight FJ450 are safe, after the aircraft experienced a bird strike shortly after departing Christchurch for Nadi.
The airline said the aircraft landed safely and without further incident.
“All guests and crew are safe,” Fiji Airways said in a statement today.
The airline’s engineering team is now carrying out inspections and maintenance checks on the affected aircraft to ensure it is safe for future operations.
Meanwhile, reservations and customer care teams are assisting impacted guests with new travel arrangements and onward connections.
“We sincerely apologise for the inconvenience caused and thank our guests for their patience and understanding,” the airline said, adding that safety remains its highest priority at all times.
