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Emirates flight from Delhi to Dubai suffers 'bird strike', delayed by over 14 hours
A bird strike delayed Emirates flight EK 517, which was scheduled to depart Delhi for Dubai.
Prefer HTon Google
Emirates flight EK517 from Dubai to Delhi on Saturday encountered a bird strike on arrival, the airlines said in a statement. As a result, the return flight EK517 from Delhi to Dubai was delayed while the aircraft underwent necessary repairs.
Following the delay, Emirates said hotel accommodation was being arranged for passengers, adding that the flight is now expected to depart at 7 am on Sunday.
"Hotel accommodation is being arranged for affected passengers. The flight is now expected to depart at 07:00 Delhi local time on 18 October," it said.
"Emirates apologises for any inconvenience caused. The safety of our passengers and crew is of the utmost importance and will not be compromised," the statement added.
What is a bird strike?
A bird strike occurs when an aircraft collides with a bird during flight, takeoff, or landing.
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Birds sometimes strike the plane's windshield or get sucked into the engines. This can reduce engine power and sometimes lead to an emergency landing, as previously reported by HT.
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The risk is often heightened because birds typically travel in flocks, increasing the likelihood of a strike.
