An easyJet Airbus A320, operating as Flight U23407 from Liverpool John Lennon Airport (LPL) to Bodrum (BJV), was forced to return shortly after takeoff following a bird strike, the airline has confirmed.
The aircraft departed at approximately 16:15 BST and declared an emergency soon after. After circling to burn fuel, the aircraft performed a routine landing back at Liverpool without further incident.
A spokeswoman for easyJet told the BBC:
“The pilot returned to Liverpool in line with our procedures and performed a routine landing where it will be inspected by engineers. The safety of passengers and crew is our highest priority.”
The airline has not confirmed whether the aircraft sustained any damage, but inspections are underway.
Liverpool Airport and Bird Strike Risk
Liverpool John Lennon Airport, located on the River Mersey estuary, is surrounded by wetlands, farmland, and industrial areas. This is an environment that attracts gulls, starlings, and other birds, especially during spring and summer migration periods. While it is not among the UK’s highest-risk airports for wildlife strikes, its coastal geography makes low-altitude bird activity a seasonal operational challenge. The airport operates a dedicated Wildlife Strike Risk Management Plan, which includes bird deterrents, grass control, and mandatory incident reporting.
Flight Overview:
- Flight: U23407
- Aircraft: Airbus A320
- Departure: Liverpool (LPL)
- Scheduled Destination: Bodrum, Turkey (BJV)
- Incident: Bird strike shortly after takeoff
- Action Taken: Emergency declared, safe return to Liverpool
Bird strikes remain one of the most common low-altitude flight hazards. Incidents like this one highlight the importance of real-time crew decision-making and ground response coordination. While most such events cause no harm, they continue to disrupt operations and trigger safety inspections across European airspace, particularly in summer months.
Read: Bear on the Runway: A Reminder of the Importance of Airside Monitoring
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