Ryanair Norwich to Malta flight forced to land after bird strike

A passenger aircraft that had just taken off for a three-hour flight had to be diverted after a bird strike.

The Ryanair flight from Norwich to Malta departed at 08:41 BST on Tuesday before it was seen adopting a holding pattern over the city at about 7,000 ft (2,134m) - and then the same over Nottingham.

In a statement, a Ryanair spokesperson said: "This flight from Norwich to Malta diverted to East Midlands Airport following a minor bird strike shortly after take-off.

"This flight arrived in East Midlands Airport at 10:00 local time."

They added: "In order to minimise delay, we have arranged for a replacement aircraft to operate this flight to Malta, which is due to depart 11:40am local time."

The Boeing 737 did not make an emergency landing, the spokesperson confirmed.

It is not known how many passengers were on board.

An emergency squawk code, which enables air traffic controllers to safely identify and separate aircraft in crowded airspace, was sent from the pilot.

A Ryanair flight from Malta arrived at Norwich Airport at 07:48.

Strikes have been taking place at the airport after a vote by air traffic control members of the union Prospect last month.

Members are unhappy over their pay, and the action includes that staff are working strictly to contracts and there is no swapping of shifts or non-contractually obligated overtime.

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Why has strike action closed Norwich Airport?