Tigerair flight from Hong Kong to Singapore diverted after bird strike

The airplane returned to Hong Kong airport for necessary repairs, said an airline spokesperson

Picture for representation
Picture for representation Reuters

Tigerair flight TR2067, from Hong Kong to Singapore, was forced to divert route on 5 November after a windscreen cracked following a bird strike. It was reported that a spokesperson for the airline said the airplane returned to Hong Kong airport for necessary repairs.

There were 156 passengers on board when the pilots discovered cracks on the windscreen on one of the sides of the cockpit, according to Chinese newspaper Shin Min Daily News. The pilots immediately informed the airport traffic controllers and emergency vehicles were placed on standby. The plane landed safely and there were no reports of injury.

Some passengers of the flight, which departed at 7.28pm and was scheduled to reach Singapore at 10.45pm, were put on 9.35pm Tigerair flight to Singapore. However, some passengers had to wait for the next flight on Sunday.

"There were 156 guests on board and arrangements have been made for all guests on subsequent Tigerair flights scheduled on 5-6 November into Singapore. Where required, hotel arrangements were made for guests as well," a Tigerair person said, as reported by The Straits Times.

The spokesperson also said that while "bird strikes" are not common, they are most likely to occur during taking offs or landings.

A "bird strikes", as defined by the aviation industry, is a collision between a high-speed plane and a bird. However, such incidents rarely happen above 760m.

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