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British Airways Flight Diverts to Logan Airport in Boston Following Suspected Bird Strike

A British Airways flight on its way from Washington, D.C., to London had to change course and land in Boston due to concerns of a bird strike and the presence of smoke in the cabin, according to airline and aviation officials.

The incident involved British Airways Flight 216, which touched down at Boston Logan International Airport around 7:30 p.m. Eastern Time. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) reported that the crew had raised concerns about a possible bird strike and fumes emanating from the cabin.

This Boeing 777 aircraft had taken off from Dulles International Airport and was destined for Heathrow Airport.

A representative from British Airways confirmed that the flight was diverted to Boston “as a precaution following a suspected bird strike,” noting that engineering teams were brought in to conduct inspections of the airplane.

A spokesperson for the Massachusetts Port Authority added that a bird was indeed struck during the flight, but assured that the plane “landed without incident.” Thankfully, no injuries were reported, although the exact number of passengers on board remains unclear.

The flight had departed Dulles shortly after 5:30 p.m., as recorded by air traffic monitoring data from FlightAware.com. The FAA has stated that they will investigate the occurrence thoroughly.

In recent years, there has been a notable increase in reported bird strikes in the United States. The FAA maintains a comprehensive database tracking incidents of aircraft colliding with wildlife. Factors contributing to this rise include expanding wildlife populations, an uptick in air traffic, and a growing number of quieter aircraft, which are less likely to disturb birds.

According to FAA statistics, approximately 19,400 bird strikes were reported at 713 U.S. airports in 2023.

Additional Insights

As bird strikes continue to pose challenges for aviation safety, it becomes increasingly important for airlines and airports to implement effective wildlife management strategies. Collaboration between aviation authorities and wildlife agencies could enhance monitoring and mitigation efforts, ensuring safer skies for both passengers and crew.

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www.cbsnews.com