Madrid, August 3, 2025 — A brand-new Iberia Airbus A321XLR was forced to return to Madrid-Barajas Adolfo Suárez Airport on Sunday after suffering a severe bird strike shortly after takeoff that left the aircraft’s nose cone visibly crumpled.
Flight IB579, operating from Madrid to Paris Orly, departed as scheduled in the afternoon but declared an emergency soon after encountering the bird strike. The impact caused substantial damage to the aircraft’s radome — the forward-most part of the fuselage that houses critical weather radar systems.
The aircraft, registered EC-OOJ, safely landed on runway 32L approximately 25 minutes after departure. All passengers and crew disembarked without incident.
Extensive Damage
Photos shared on social media show the extent of the damage, with the radome crushed inward, a rare sight even in the context of bird strikes. Aviation experts suggest the collision likely involved a large bird species, though the exact type has not been confirmed. Griffon vultures, which are native to the region, have been suggested as a possible cause due to their size and presence near the airport.
The aircraft is a next-generation Airbus A321-253NY (XLR), delivered to Iberia just two months ago. The XLR, or “extra-long range” variant of the A321neo, is set to be a game-changer for medium- to long-haul routes, and this aircraft was among Iberia’s first in the new configuration.
Maintenance teams have grounded the aircraft pending inspection and structural repairs. The weather radar system, critical for safe operations, was also reportedly damaged in the incident.
While bird strikes are not uncommon in aviation, this level of nose damage is unusual and highlights the persistent risk they pose, particularly near large airports surrounded by wildlife.
Iberia has not yet issued a formal statement but is expected to coordinate with aviation authorities as part of the standard post-incident review process.
This incident represents yet another reminder of the evolving frontier in wildlife‑risk mitigation. In our earlier coverage, we traced the Six Deadliest Bird Strike Incidents in the history of commercial aviation.
Image: X/@ivancp25
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