Bird strike on flydubai aircraft not confirmed yet: Minister Kirati

Kathmandu, April 25: Minister for Culture, Tourism and Civil Aviation, Sudan Kirati, has said it has not been confirmed yet that the flydubai airplane suffered a bird strike during its takeoff from Tribhuvan International Airport (TIA) on Monday night.

The aircraft carrying 167 passengers had reportedly caught a fire on its engine following its takeoff from TIA due to a bird strike.  The flububai also stated that its aircraft experienced a bird strike during takeoff from Kathmandu and continued the onward journey after determining that the engine was within the normal operating parameters. It was safely landed at Dubai International Airport, according to the flydubai. 

The aircraft was reportedly held over the skies in Dhading for sometimes and proceeded to the destination with the assessment that all indicators were normal.

Meanwhile, the Civil Aviation Authority of Nepal (CAAN) said it has not been confirmed yet that the Boeing 737-800 of flydubai experienced a bird strike. CAAN Spokesperson Jagannath Niraula said during the airport inspection, it could not be established that the aircraft went through a bird strike. 

The flydubai is not registered in Nepal and CAAN is not authorized body for investing the matter. It will facilitate the investigation procedures to be carried out by the respective country, it is said.  (RSS)