JEDDAH | October 25, 2025 — A Saudi Arabian Airlines (Saudia) Boeing 777 operating as flight SV340 from Algiers to Jeddah, reportedly struck a flock of birds during its approach to Jeddah’s King Abdulaziz International Airport on October 25.
The nine year-old aircraft, registered HZ-AK31, sustained visible damage to its nose cone (radome) and nose-gear assembly following the impact. Despite the collision, the aircraft continued for a safe landing, and no injuries or fatalities were reported among.
Images from the ramp show extensive blood and debris patterns across the aircraft’s forward fuselage and landing-gear bay, consistent with a high-velocity multiple-bird impact.
FlightRadar24 data shows that Saudia operated an additional SV340 rotation that day, separate from the airline’s regularly scheduled evening service. The affected aircraft, HZ-AK31, landed in Jeddah around 1:30 p.m. local time, consistent with the daylight conditions seen in the images.
Flight details
- Aircraft: Boeing 777-3FG/ER
- Registration: HZ-AK31
- Operator: Saudia (Saudi Arabian Airlines)
- Flight: SV340 — Algiers (DAAG) to Jeddah (OEJN)
- Date: October 25, 2025
- Injuries/Fatalities: None
While there is no official confirmation of the incident yet, the news and images are widely shared on social media.
Seasonal Bird Hazard
Jeddah sits along the Red Sea migratory corridor, an area known for heavy bird activity during autumn and spring migration periods. Bird strikes in the region typically increase between September and November, prompting airlines and airports to heighten monitoring and wildlife-management measures.
Bird strike incidents often occur near airports during takeoff and landing, where aircraft fly at lower altitudes and speeds and are more vulnerable to impact.
As of this report, neither Saudia nor Jeddah’s King Abdulaziz International Airport has publicly commented on the incident. No official confirmation has been released regarding the extent of the damage or any maintenance actions undertaken.
Images via @aviationbrk on X (formerly Twitter)
Read: Deadly Encounters: The Six Deadliest Bird Strikes in the History of Commercial Aviation
💬 Join the conversation: We’d love to hear your take on X (Twitter) or LinkedIn.
