Bird strike forces Turkish Airlines flight to return to Dhaka shortly after takeoff

A Turkish Airlines flight has been forced to return to Dhaka’s Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport after a bird struck the aircraft shortly after takeoff, causing smoke to billow from one of its engines.

The right engine of the Airbus A300-330 was damaged in the incident on Tuesday, according to airport authorities. All 280 passengers and crew members on board are safe.

The airport's Executive Director SM Ragib Samad said the Turkish Airlines flight TK 713 took off at 7:09am, but moments later, smoke was seen coming out of its right engine due to a bird hit.

The pilot managed to safely land the plane in Dhaka at 8:01am.

Authorities have arranged for the passengers to be transferred to a hotel and are taking steps to organise alternative flights to fly them to their destinations.

The Dhaka team of Turkish Airlines said the plane has been grounded. It will take some time to carry out repairs.