Bird strike forces emergency landing of Turkish Airlines flight after takeoff from Dhaka airport

A Turkish Airlines flight was forced to make an emergency landing at Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport this morning (20 May) after a bird strike caused sparks in one of its engines shortly after takeoff.

The incident occurred around 7am when flight TK713, bound for Istanbul, encountered a bird strike on engine 2 moments after taking off from Dhaka, prompting the pilot to initiate an emergency landing.

"All 290 passengers and crew members onboard were safely evacuated," confirmed Turkish Airlines authorities in a statement.

"We would like to inform you that flight TK713 on 20 May was grounded due to an AOG (Aircraft on Ground) situation following an emergency landing at Dhaka Airport. The aircraft had to return shortly after a successful takeoff due to an unexpected bird strike on engine 2," read the airline's official statement.

"We are pleased to confirm that all passengers, crew, and the aircraft are safe. As the aircraft requires repairs, the process will take some time. In the meantime, all our valued passengers have been accommodated at nearby hotels for their comfort and rest," the statement added.

Ragib Samad, executive director of Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport, confirmed the incident, saying, "Shortly after takeoff, smoke began to emit from the right engine following a bird strike, prompting the pilot to make a precautionary but highly skilled emergency landing at 8:01am. All the passengers are safe and unharmed."

He also noted that the aircraft is currently undergoing inspection to assess its condition.