Photo: Shutterstock It happened just minutes after the takeoff of the Spanish airline Iberia, from its home airport in Madrid-Barajas. According to details provided by the airline to PassportNews, minutes after flight IB579 took off yesterday (August 3, 2025) for Paris, a large bird hit the wing and engine of the aircraft.
In accordance with the safety protocols established for such situations, the company stated, the captain requested special permission to return to the flight's origin airport, where the AIRBUS A321XLR landed safely..
Photo: ShutterstockHowever, the story did not end there, as apparently due to the engine strike, smoke spread in the plane and a crew member was sent to the hospital for smoke inhalation treatment. Several passengers needed assistance after landing due to anxiety attacks they experienced.
According to Iberia's statement, the crew acted with maximum professionalism to manage the situation and assist passengers, who were provided with an alternative flight that departed from Madrid to Paris-Orly yesterday, shortly after 7:30 PM.