TUI flight forced to make emergency landing at Manchester Airport

A TUI light from Newcastle to Cape Verde was forced to make an emergency landing at Manchester Airport due to a bird strike shortly after take off.

Tuesday morning's TUI flight TOM800 was scheduled to go from Newcastle to Sal in Cape Verde, but touched down in Manchester as a ‘precaution’ following a bird strike.

A spokesperson from Manchester Airport confirmed the flight left Newcastle International Airport just before 9.40am and landed in Manchester just over an hour later, at around 11am. Fire crews were called and the plane was found to have suffered some damage.

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Passengers were taken off the plane and waited in the departure lounge while a replacement was found. They were then put on a replacement flight.

TUI apologised to its customers for the diversion. A spokesperson from TUI said: "We’d like to apologise to customers on flight TOM800 which diverted to Manchester Airport as a precaution following a bird strike.

“Another TUI aircraft was sourced and the flight has now departed Manchester Airport and is on route to Sal, Cape Verde. We’d like to thank customers for their patience and understanding, and hope they enjoy their holiday.”